What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irritable
Example
She's been irritable all day, snapping at everyone who talks to her. [irritable: adjective]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site made him feel irritable and on edge. [irritable: adjective]
peevish
Example
He was in a peevish mood after getting stuck in traffic for an hour. [peevish: adjective]
Example
Her peevish behavior made it difficult to have a conversation with her. [peevish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritable is more commonly used in everyday language than peevish, which is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irritable and peevish?
Peevish is more formal than irritable, and is often used in written or literary contexts.
