different between antagonistic vs cantankerous

English

Etymology

From antagonist +? -ic.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /æn.tæ.??.?n?s.t?k/

Adjective

antagonistic (comparative more antagonistic, superlative most antagonistic)

1. Contending or acting against.
   • 1855, Henry Hart Milman, History of Latin Christianity^[1]:

     They were distinct, adverse, even antagonistic.

   • 1866, American Journal of Pharmacy and the Sciences Supporting Public Health:

     Though the tephrosia is a powerful agent, and, if carried too far beyond the antagonistic action of the poison, is, I presume, not entirely without danger, I have never known any bad symptoms to arise from its use.
2. (biochemistry) Relating to an antagonist

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:combative

Translations

Anagrams

• anti-agnostic, antiagnostic

English

Etymology

Perhaps derived from earlier contenkerous, from contentious + rancorous.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kæn?tæ?k???s/, /k?n?tæ?k???s/

Adjective

cantankerous (comparative more cantankerous, superlative most cantankerous)

1. Given to or marked by an ill-tempered nature; ill-tempered, cranky, surly, crabby.

Usage notes

Note: cantankerous is generally used to describe an unpleasant elderly person in a slightly pejorative manner. However, the term can be used to people in general, livestock, and machinery as well.

Synonyms

• cranky
• grouchy
• grumpy
• ornery
• surly
• truculent

Derived terms

Translations