crossness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (archaic/dated in modern usage)Formal, literary, somewhat archaic. More common in 19th–early 20th century literature.
Quick answer
What does “crossness” mean?
A state of being annoyed, irritable, or peevish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of being annoyed, irritable, or peevish; mild anger or bad temper.
Can refer to a general disposition of irritability or a specific instance of being vexed, often over minor matters. In some contexts, it implies a childish or petulant quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized but very rarely used in contemporary American English. It survives marginally more in British English, primarily in literary or historical contexts.
Connotations
In British usage, it can carry a slightly quaint or period-specific nuance. In American English, it would likely be perceived as an archaic Britishism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, nearing obsolescence.
Grammar
How to Use “crossness” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s crossnesscrossness at [something]crossness with [someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crossness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun.
American English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun.
American English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun. The adjective is 'cross'.
American English
- N/A - 'crossness' is a noun. The adjective is 'cross'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or literary analysis discussing character traits.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Irritability' or 'annoyance' are used instead.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crossness”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crossness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crossness”
- Using it to describe serious anger. *'His crossness led to a violent outburst.' (Incorrect - too strong).
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'annoyance' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered dated or archaic. Modern synonyms like 'irritability' or 'annoyance' are far more common.
No, it typically describes mild, often petty, irritation or a peevish temper.
'Crossness' implies a lesser degree of intensity, often with a childish or trivial cause, whereas 'anger' is a broader, stronger term.
No. The related adjective is 'cross' (meaning annoyed). The verb 'to cross' has a completely different meaning (to go from one side to another).
A state of being annoyed, irritable, or peevish.
Crossness is usually formal, literary, somewhat archaic. more common in 19th–early 20th century literature. in register.
Crossness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒsnəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːsnəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'crossness'. Related: 'get out of bed on the wrong side'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child who is CROSS (angry) and showing their CROSS-NESS (state of being cross).
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A FLUID IN A CONTAINER (e.g., 'filled with crossness'), though the container is small (suggesting pettiness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'crossness' be MOST appropriate?