quarrelsome

Everyday

Often arguing or ready to start a quarrel; easily angry with others: «a quarrelsome neighbour». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it describes grumpy characters who pick fights; in everyday life and PSHE lessons it helps talk about getting along. Phrases: «a quarrelsome child», «in a quarrelsome mood».

Examples

• The two quarrelsome brothers argued all the way to the beach. tree →
• The quarrelsome goose chased everyone round the farmyard. tree →
• When he is tired he gets quarrelsome. tree →
• Our neighbour is quarrelsome about where we park. tree →
• The quarrelsome kings went to war over a tiny island. tree →
• Try not to be quarrelsome; listen first. tree →
• At first, to be sure, the workmen showed a quarrelsome disposition. tree →

Note

Related: quarrel (noun and verb: quarrel, quarrelled, quarrelling in UK; quarreled, quarreling in US). The ending -some means «tending to» (like tiresome, troublesome). Opposite: easy-going, peaceable.