curmudgeon (B2)
noun
Pronunciation: /kərˈmʌdʒən/
Definition
A bad-tempered, difficult, and often elderly person who complains a lot and is unwilling to be friendly or generous.
Examples
He's a bit of a curmudgeon, but he has a good heart underneath.
The retired professor became a notorious curmudgeon, shouting at anyone who disturbed his peace.
Despite her curmudgeon-like exterior, she was known for her acts of kindness to stray animals.
How to Use curmudgeon
- a bit of a curmudgeon (collocation)
- used to describe someone who is slightly bad-tempered or difficult — "My uncle is a bit of a curmudgeon, but he always buys me presents."
- notorious curmudgeon (collocation)
- used to describe someone who is widely known for being ill-tempered — "The old librarian was a notorious curmudgeon who shushed everyone."
Synonyms of curmudgeon
Words with a similar meaning to curmudgeon:
Antonyms of curmudgeon
Words with the opposite meaning to curmudgeon:
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary