crossly

Everyday

Crossly means in an angry or annoyed way. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «she said crossly» tells the reader a character is annoyed, but not furious; often used with grown-ups telling children off. Phrases: said crossly, looked crossly, answered crossly.

Examples

• «Clean up this mess!» said Mum crossly. tree →
• The teacher looked crossly at the noisy boys. tree →
• He crossly slammed the door. tree →
• «I'm not tired,» the toddler said crossly. tree →
• The cat swished its tail crossly. tree →
• She answered crossly because she was hungry. tree →
• When they reached the house the old woman received them very crossly. tree →

Note

An adverb from the adjective «cross» (angry), used mostly in British English. Not connected with «cross» meaning to go across. Similar: angrily, grumpily, irritably.