querulous
UK[ˈkwerələs]US[ˈkwerələs]
adj
complaining in a rather petulant or whining manner.
adj
characterized by or expressing a complaint.
Morpheme Breakdown
quer
ulous
quer
complain
ulous
full of, prone to
Etymology
the word querulous originates from the latin verb 'querī', meaning 'to complain' or 'to lament'. this verb is of uncertain deeper origin, though it may be connected to proto-indo-european roots expressing a sound of complaint. the latin suffix '-ulus', forming adjectives, was combined with the stem to create 'querulus', meaning 'full of complaints' or 'peevish'. entering english in the late 15th century, the spelling adapted to the modern 'querulous', preserving the core semantic link between the act of complaining and a habitual, fretful disposition.
Analysis
Structure: quer (complain) + ulous (full of, prone to)
quer is from latin 'querī' (to complain). ulous is a latin adjectival suffix meaning 'full of' or 'prone to'.
Examples
the tired child became querulous, whining about every little inconvenience.
he dismissed her querulous tone, accustomed to her constant grievances.
the manager addressed the querulous complaints from a few dissatisfied customers.