QUERULOUS: "habitually complaining; whining"

By MsW


"Querulous" is an adjective used to describe someone who is habitually complaining or expressing dissatisfaction in a whining or petulant manner.

Etymology: The word "querulous" originates from the Latin word "querulus," which is derived from "queri," meaning "to complain" or "to lament." The term "querulous" is used to describe someone who is habitually complaining, grumbling, or expressing discontent in a persistent and often annoying manner.

A character from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Professor Quirinus Quirrell, is known for being timid, nervous, and easily agitated. 






While the etymology of "querulous" doesn't directly link to his name, the traits associated with Professor Quirrell align with the characteristics of someone who might be described as querulous. His constant anxiety, fearfulness, and tendency to complain about his predicaments make him a fitting example of a querulous individual.

It's worth noting that J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, often chooses names that reflect the characteristics or roles of her characters. In this case, the name "Quirrel" may have been selected to emphasize the character's quirks and tendencies, including his querulous nature.

Sample Sentences:

  1. The querulous customer seemed dissatisfied with every aspect of the service.

  2. Her querulous tone during the meeting indicated her dissatisfaction with the proposed changes.

  3. The child's querulous complaints about bedtime were a nightly routine.

  4. The employee's querulous attitude made it challenging for the team to work harmoniously.

  5. Despite the beautiful weather, he remained querulous, finding fault in the smallest details.

Synonyms: complaining, petulant, whining

Antonyms: content, satisfied, uncomplaining 

clipped from dictionary.reference.com

querulous \KWER-uh-luhs; -yuh\, adjective:

 1. Apt to find fault; habitually complaining. 2. Expressing complaint; fretful; whining.

Querulous Oscar rattles on, never more or less than himself, but never much more than the content of his grumpy rattling.
-- Sven Birkerts, "A Frolic of His Own", New Republic, February 7, 1994

Mam is a tragic figure when transported to New York by her successful sons -- querulous, unable to get a decent cup of tea.
-- Maureen Howard, "McCourt's New World", New York Times, September 19, 1999

 


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