What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
querulent
Example
The querulent customer demanded to speak to the manager and complained about every aspect of the service. [querulent: adjective]
Example
His querulous tone made it clear that he was not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. [querulous: adjective]
petulant
Example
She threw a petulant tantrum when she didn't get the toy she wanted. [petulant: adjective]
Example
His petulance was evident when he refused to speak to anyone after losing the game. [petulance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Petulant is more commonly used than querulent in everyday language. Petulant is often used to describe children or teenagers, while querulent is less common and has a more specific legal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between querulent and petulant?
Both querulent and petulant are formal words, but querulent is more likely to be used in legal or professional contexts, while petulant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
