restive

[ˈrɛstɪv]

restive Definition

• 1. unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom
• 2. unwilling 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

Synonyms for restive

• fidgety
• restless
• impatient
• discontented
• unruly

Antonyms for restive

• calm
• composed
• patient

Idioms Using restive

• a restive audience

  an audience that is difficult to please or entertain

  Example

  The comedian struggled to make the restive audience laugh.

• restive under pressure

  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.

• restive feet

  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

• restive sleep

  a sleep that is disturbed or interrupted by dreams or nightmares

  Example

  She had a restive sleep and woke up feeling tired.

• restive behavior

  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.

• restive spirit

  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.