Querulous
hardNegative toneKWER-uh-lus
adjective
Definition
habitually complaining in a peevish, whining manner
Memory hook
QUERULOUS: think of someone who turns every QUERy into a whining complaint — endlessly querulous and fretful.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The querulous patient found fault with every nurse on the ward.”
“In his old age he grew querulous, grumbling about the weather and the young.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ patient found fault with every nurse on the ward.”
Show answer
querulous
Categories
GRE Tip
Querulous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "complaining" or "peevish" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "content".
Related GRE Words
fractious
Irritable, quarrelsome, or prone to conflict
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered; peevish
solicitous
showing attentive care or concern for someone
languid
lacking energy or vigor; slow and relaxed
levity
lightness of manner or treatment, especially when inappropriate
nonchalant
casually calm and unconcerned; showing a relaxed indifference
Master querulous and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.