What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrewish
Example
Her shrewish behavior towards her husband caused their marriage to fall apart. [shrewish: adjective]
Example
The shrewish tone of her voice made everyone uncomfortable. [shrewish: adjective]
querulous
Example
The querulous customer demanded to speak to the manager. [querulous: adjective]
Example
His querulous tone was a sign of his frustration with the situation. [querulous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Querulous is more commonly used than shrewish in everyday language. Querulous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shrewish is less common and may be considered outdated or offensive in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrewish and querulous?
Both shrewish and querulous are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, querulous may be more appropriate in slightly more formal situations due to its versatility and less severe connotation.
