restive

[ˈrɛstɪv]

restive Definition

  • 1unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom
  • 2unwilling to be controlled or be patient about something

Using restive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "restive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The horse was restive and refused to stand still.

  • Example

    The crowd grew restive as they waited for the concert to start.

  • Example

    The employees became restive after working long hours without a break.

  • Example

    The students were restive during the lecture and kept checking their phones.

restive Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using restive

  • an audience that is difficult to please or entertain

    Example

    The comedian struggled to make the restive audience laugh.

  • feeling anxious or stressed when faced with a difficult situation or task

    Example

    She became restive under pressure and had trouble focusing on her work.

  • feeling the need to move or travel, often due to boredom or restlessness

    Example

    After being stuck at home for weeks, she had restive feet and wanted to go on a trip.

Phrases with restive

  • a sleep that is disturbed or interrupted by dreams or nightmares

    Example

    She had a restive sleep and woke up feeling tired.

  • behavior that is difficult to control or manage, often due to impatience or dissatisfaction

    Example

    The child's restive behavior made it hard for the teacher to keep the class focused.

  • a rebellious or uncooperative attitude towards authority or rules

    Example

    The restive spirit of the protesters led to clashes with the police.

Origins of restive

from Old French 'restif', meaning 'unmanageable'

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Summary: restive in Brief

'Restive' [ˈrɛstɪv] describes someone or something that is unable to keep still or silent, often due to impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom. It can also refer to an unwillingness to be controlled or patient. Examples include 'The horse was restive and refused to stand still.' and 'The employees became restive after working long hours without a break.' Phrases like 'restive behavior' and idioms like 'a restive audience' further illustrate this sense of unease or rebellion.