CANKEROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Cankerous is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is irritable, ill-tempered, or prone to expressing negativity or spiteful behavior. The term can also refer to something characterized by a corrosive or destructive nature.
When applied to a person, cankerous suggests a disposition marked by a general grumpiness, a tendency to complain incessantly, or a habit of finding fault with others. Such individuals may be highly critical, cynical, and difficult to please. Their tendency to indulge in constant negativity can make them unpleasant to be around, as they often bring a sour mood into social interactions.
In addition to describing a personality trait, cankerous can also be used to characterize a situation, event, or environment that is characterized by its corrosive or detrimental influence. For example, a cankerous political climate could refer to an atmosphere of hostility, bitterness, and animosity prevalent in a specific region or country. Similarly, a cankerous workplace might indicate an environment marked by tension, backstabbing, and a lack of supportive relationships.
Overall, the term cankerous highlights the unpleasant and adverse qualities associated with someone's temperament or the corrosive nature of a particular context.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CANKEROUS
Etymology of CANKEROUS
The word "cankerous" comes from the Middle English term "cankerus", which was derived from the Old English word "cancor" or "cancer". "Cancor" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "cancer", which means "crab". This Latin term was used metaphorically to refer to ulcers or malignant growth, similar to the pincers of a crab that slowly grip and cause damage. Over time, "cankerous" developed from these roots to describe someone who is ill-tempered, irritable, or full of resentment.
Similar spelling words for CANKEROUS
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