Definitions
- Describing a person's tone of voice when they are angry or annoyed. - Referring to a person's facial expression when they are displeased or irritated. - Talking about a person's behavior when they are in a bad mood or frustrated.
- Describing a person's tone of voice when they are impatient or easily annoyed. - Referring to a person's behavior when they are irritable or snappy. - Talking about a person's reaction when they are provoked or challenged.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a negative emotional state.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a person's tone of voice.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a person's behavior or reaction.
- 4Both words convey a sense of irritation or annoyance.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Crossly implies a stronger sense of anger or frustration than testily.
- 2Cause: Crossly is often used when someone is upset due to a specific event or situation, while testily can be used in response to any kind of provocation.
- 3Focus: Crossly emphasizes a person's mood or emotional state, while testily emphasizes their behavior or reaction.
- 4Usage: Crossly is less common than testily and may be considered more old-fashioned or formal.
- 5Connotation: Crossly has a more negative connotation than testily, which can sometimes be used in a more lighthearted or humorous way.
Remember this!
Crossly and testily are synonyms that both describe a negative emotional state, often characterized by irritation or annoyance. However, crossly implies a stronger sense of anger or frustration, while testily is more general and can be used in response to any kind of provocation. Additionally, crossly emphasizes a person's mood or emotional state, while testily emphasizes their behavior or reaction.
