QQuestionEnglish
QuestionEnglish
What does the word "petulantly" mean as it is used in the sentence below?
"Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, she flung the invitation petulantly across the table, murmuring: 'What do you want me to do with this?'"
Showing sudden irritation
Showing sudden disappointment
Showing sudden excitement
Showing sudden disinterest
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this vocabulary in context problem step by step:
Step 2:: Analyze the context of the word "petulantly"
- The sentence describes a wife's reaction to an invitation - Her response is not positive or enthusiastic - She "flings" the invitation and speaks with a dismissive tone - Her husband had hoped she would be "delighted"
Step 3:: Examine the emotional tone of her response
- She appears irritated or annoyed - Her action of "flinging" the invitation suggests frustration - Her question "What do you want me to do with this?" sounds impatient and frustrated
Step 4:: Define "petulantly"
- "Petulantly" means showing sudden, childish irritation or impatience - It implies an angry or sulky response that is somewhat unreasonable - The reaction is characterized by a quick, emotional outburst
Step 5:: Evaluate the answer choices
- "Showing sudden irritation" most closely matches the context - Her response demonstrates clear frustration and annoyance
Final Answer
The word "petulantly" means "Showing sudden irritation" in this sentence.
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