1590s, "immodest, wanton, saucy," from Middle French petulant (mid-14c.), from Latin petulantem (nominative petulans) "wanton, froward, saucy, insolent," present participle of petere "to attack, assail; strive after; ask for, beg, beseech" (see petition (n.)). Meaning "peevish, irritable" first recorded 1775, probably by influence of pet (n.2). Related: Petulantly.
双语例句
1. His critics say he's just being silly and petulant.
批评家说他就是愚蠢和任性。
来自柯林斯例句
2. She could be wayward, petulant, and disagreeable.
她有时也会任性 、 脾气很坏 、 很暴躁.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. He picked the pen up with a petulant gesture.
他生气地拿起那支钢笔。
来自辞典例句
4. The thing had been remarked with petulant jealousy by his wife.