crossness

Everyday

Crossness is the feeling or state of being cross, that is, annoyed or a bit angry. tree →

In the lessons

A mostly British word, used in stories and in talk with children: «cross» means annoyed, and crossness is that mood. It tells the reader someone is irritated, not furious. Phrases: «with a hint of crossness», «her crossness passed».

Examples

• Her crossness disappeared when she saw the birthday cake. tree →
• There was a note of crossness in Dad's voice. tree →
• He tried to hide his crossness about losing the game. tree →
• The teacher's crossness was clear from her frown. tree →
• Tiredness often turns into crossness at the end of the day. tree →
• Grandma's crossness never lasted long. tree →
• The old man had for a long time ceased to take any notice of her crossness. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: cross (UK: «Mum was cross with me»). Note: cross also means a shape like + or ×, and to go over (cross the road) — unrelated to crossness.