Question

What is the meaning of the word 'querulous'?

1) fretful
2) peevish
3) complacent
4) satisfied

Answer 1

The word 'querulous' describes someone who is habitually fretful or peevish, tending to complain often in a petulant way.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meaning of the word 'querulous' is best defined as displaying a habitually complaining or whining demeanor. Among the choices given, 1) fretful and 2) peevish both closely relate to the characteristics of a querulous person, as they imply irritability and a tendency to complain in a petty or nagging manner. 3) Complacent and 4) satisfied do not align with the meaning of querulous, as they suggest a sense of contentment or self-satisfaction, which is contrary to the idea of being complaining or difficult to please.

Answer 2

The word 'querulous' describes a person who is complaining or whining, with similar meanings to the words 'fretful' and 'peevish'. The correct answers are 1) fretful and 2) peevish, as they capture the essence of a querulous temperament.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word querulous is an adjective used to describe someone who is complaining in a whining or grumbling manner. It conveys the idea of a person being prone to express dissatisfaction frequently and in a petty or nagging way. From the given options, the words fretful and peevish are similar in meaning to 'querulous.' Both suggest a disposition that is irritable or easily upset over small annoyances. 'Complacent' and 'satisfied,' however, denote a content or self-satisfied state which is the opposite of being querulous.

In context with the provided excerpts, the characters described show traits that align with a querulous temperament. These include being quarrelsome, sullen, moping, angry, and having an uncertain temper. Such temperamental characteristics highlight the absence of complacency or satisfaction, emphasizing a disgruntled and discontented behavior that is strongly associated with being querulous. Thus, the correct answer option is both 1) fretful and 2) peevish, as they best capture the essence of the querulous nature described in the excerpts.