irritably

/ˈɪrɪtəbli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪrɪtəbli/ (ame, ipa) · /-blē -bli/ (ame, mw)

irritably — adverb

1. in a tense, impatient way that shows someone is already annoyed and easy to upse

1.副詞C2
釋義

in a tense, impatient way that shows someone is already annoyed and easy to upset.

例句

Noa snapped irritably when her brother asked to borrow the charger again.

snap irritably when + repeated request

The cashier tapped the counter irritably as the printer jammed for a third time.

tap + object + irritably during a repeated problem

同義詞
  • impatiently

    focuses more on difficulty waiting and less on visible annoyance

  • crossly

    common in British English; slightly sharper and often old-fashioned in tone

  • testily

    more formal and usually used in writing about curt replies

反義詞
  • calmly

    shows self-control instead of visible annoyance

  • patiently

    suggests willingness to wait or explain without irritation

文法句型

verb + irritably

irritably + verb of reply

gesture verb + irritably

用法筆記

Common with short replies, sighs, tapping, and turning away during repeated annoyance. It usually suggests low-level anger mixed with impatience, so it is milder and more everyday than 'angrily'.

常見錯誤

❌The buzzing fan was irritably loud.
✅The buzzing fan was irritatingly loud.
💡'irritably' describes a person's annoyed manner, while 'irritatingly' describes something that causes annoyance.
❌He shouted irritably at the thief.
✅He shouted angrily at the thief.
💡'irritably' usually fits smaller repeated annoyances, not full anger in a serious conflict.