different between sulky vs fretful

English

Etymology

From sulk +? -y. The horse-drawn vehicle is so called as it obliges the rider to be alone.

Adjective

sulky (comparative sulkier, superlative sulkiest)

1. (often derogatory) silent and withdrawn after being upset
   • 1865, Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

     The first question of course was, how to get dry again: they had a consultation about this, and after a few minutes it seemed quite natural to Alice to find herself talking familiarly with them, as if she had known them all her life. Indeed, she had quite a long argument with the Lory, who at last turned sulky, and would only say, “I’m older than you, and must know better.” And this Alice would not allow, without knowing how old it was, and, as the Lory positively refused to tell its age, there was no more to be said.

   Synonyms: sullen, morose

Translations

Noun

sulky (plural sulkies)

1. A low two-wheeled cart, used in harness racing.
2. Any carriage seating only the driver.

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• fretfull (archaic)

Etymology

fret +? -ful

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?f??tf?l/

Adjective

fretful (comparative more fretful, superlative most fretful)

1. Irritable, bad-tempered, grumpy or peevish.
   • 1909: Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

     It was another cry, but not quite like the one she had heard last night; it was only a short one, a fretful, childish whine muffled by passing through walls.

2. Unable to relax; fidgety or restless.

Derived terms

• fretfully
• fretfulness
• unfretful

Translations

Anagrams

• truffle