Irascible
hardNegative toneih-RAS-uh-bul
adjective
Definition
easily angered; quick-tempered
Memory hook
IRASCIBLE sounds like 'I RASH-ible': this person flares up in an angry RASH at the smallest thing.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The irascible old man snapped at anyone who walked across his lawn.”
“Years of poor sleep had left her irascible and impossible to please.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ old man snapped at anyone who walked across his lawn.”
Show answer
irascible
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Irascible is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "irritable" or "testy" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "even-tempered".
Related GRE Words
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered; peevish
equanimity
mental calmness and composure, especially under stress
impassive
showing no emotion or expression
imperturbable
unable to be upset or agitated; calm
phlegmatic
having an unemotional, stolidly calm disposition
stolid
showing little or no emotion; impassive
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