irascible
ih-RAS-uh-bul
/ɪˈræs.ə.bəl/
Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered; hot-tempered.
Focuses on a deeply rooted character trait of being quick to explode into fury.
The story behind the word. Traced to Latin irascibilis, derived from irasci ('to get angry'), which stems from ira ('wrath'). This is the exact same root that gives English the word 'ire', reflecting a long historical lineage of fiery rage.
Word relationships
- choleric: Choleric is an archaic humoral term for bad temper; irascible is the modern standard word for quick rage.
- cantankerous: Cantankerous includes stubbornness and general unpleasantness; irascible focuses specifically on rapid anger.
- placid: Placid means calm, serene, and unlikely to be stirred by emotion.
- equable: Equable describes an even-tempered, tranquil personality.
Commonly confused with
- erasable: Erasable means capable of being rubbed out or deleted; irascible means short-tempered.
Word family
- irascibility (noun): The quality of being easily angered.
- irascibly (adverb): In a short-tempered manner.
Collocations
- irascible disposition
- irascible temper
- irascible nature
- irascible professor
Idioms & expressions
- have a short fuse
- short-tempered
Example sentences
- "Professor Challenger was an irascible man, quick to take offense at any perceived slight." Character introduction in literature
- "Managing an irascible supervisor requires diplomatic tact and careful choice of timing." Workplace management note
Memory hook
ERASE the ABLE man's temper before the IRASCIBLE boss explodes. A short fuse waiting to ignite.
When not to use
Do not use for someone who is momentarily sad or mildly frustrated; it denotes intense anger.
Fun facts
- Ancient Greek medicine attributed an irascible disposition to an excess of yellow bile in the body.
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