angry
adjective
UK/ˈæŋ.ɡri/US/ˈæŋ.ɡri/
Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Example Sentences
He was angry about the delay in the project timeline.
She felt angry when she discovered that her trust had been broken.
Despite his angry outburst, he later apologized for his behavior.
The angry customer demanded a refund for the defective product.
They became angry during the heated debate, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Her angry expression made it clear that she was upset with the situation.
He struggled to control his angry feelings after the argument.
The manager addressed the angry employees to resolve the conflict.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A strong emotional state expressing annoyance, resentment, or hostility.“Angry” is an adjective describing the state of experiencing, showing, or characterized by intense displeasure or hostility. People often become angry in response to perceived injustices, personal slights, or frustrations—like a broken promise, a rude comment, or a stressful situation at work. Expressions of anger vary widely: some may verbally lash out; others might become physically tense or visibly upset (like clenched fists or a raised voice). In both formal and informal writing, “angry” modifies nouns that identify who or what is feeling or causing the emotion: “an angry neighbor,” “an angry letter,” or “angry protesters.” When articulating your feelings, you might say “I feel angry about the unfair decision” to convey your sense of being wronged. In conversation, using “angry” precisely can help clarify the intensity of frustration you experience. You may rely on it for direct communication—“I’m angry that we were overlooked”—or to observe someone’s demeanor—“She seems angry at the outcome.” If you want to tone it down, synonyms like “upset” or “annoyed” can soften your statement. Conversely, you might intensify “angry” by adding adverbs, like “very angry” or “extremely angry.” Understanding context is key: if you are describing a safety concern at work, using “angry” underscores the seriousness; when chatting with friends, it might simply express everyday annoyance. In practice, you can also employ strategies to discuss anger in constructive ways. For instance, using “I” statements (“I feel angry when…”) helps focus on how you’re impacted without blaming others. This approach is especially common in conflict resolution, where it’s important to name the emotion without attacking the other person. This measured approach can keep conversations civil, even if the feelings are intense. Overall, “angry” is versatile in everyday language, appearing in contexts from mild frustration to severe rage. By pairing it with clarifying words and adjusting the intensity of your language, you can convey the nuance of anger’s many shades while keeping your message clear and respectful.
Alternatives
Depending on the intensity and tone you wish to convey, there are many synonyms and related expressions for “angry.” Words like “upset,” “irritated,” and “aggravated” suggest lower levels of displeasure, often useful in casual conversation to maintain politeness. “Furious,” “enraged,” or “livid” imply a more powerful, potentially explosive emotion—fitting scenarios where someone is pushed to their limit. If you’d like to stress indignation or moral outrage, consider terms like “outraged,” “incensed,” or “infuriated,” which highlight profound disagreement with an act or situation. “Cross” or “vexed” sometimes appear in more formal or literary contexts, conjuring a slightly old-fashioned flavor. For smaller annoyances, “annoyed” or “frustrated” can keep a conversation calmer, focusing on irritation rather than aggression. As you choose among these alternatives, reflect on how your audience might react to the specific degree of anger implied. Selecting a powerful word like “furious” can dramatize your point; opting for a milder term can promote problem-solving and civilized discourse. Familiarity with these synonyms enriches your vocabulary and helps you articulate emotional states with precision and clarity.
Writing
When including “angry” in your writing, aim for clarity on what triggers the anger, who feels it, and its underlying intensity. If you’re composing a story, show how anger affects a character’s actions or decisions. For instance, “She gripped the letter with trembling hands, angry that her request had been denied.” This reveals not just that she’s upset, but also how the emotion manifests physically. In essays or reports, “angry” can describe a collective response: “Residents grew angry over the proposed tax increase, organizing protests at city hall.” Here, your choice to use “angry” underscores the strong level of public dissatisfaction. If needed, consider pairing it with descriptors like “deeply” or “visibly” to convey intensity. Striking the right balance with “angry” depends on context. Overusing emotive language can distract from logical arguments, so measure how often you employ the word. Instead, you might depict anger through storytelling—instances of abrupt gestures, heated dialogue, or critical thoughts. This approach captures the experience of anger without relying on repeated declarations like “He was angry,” boosting narrative strength. If you want to depict transformation or resolution, trace the trajectory from mild annoyance to simmering hostility, culminating in either constructive or destructive responses. This progression adds realism and depth. Ultimately, “angry” can be a powerful emotional cue in writing, highlighting conflict, tension, or righteous indignation. By combining vivid details and thoughtful pacing, you create a compelling narrative arc where anger sparks shifts in relationships, events, or understanding.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “angry” commonly appears to describe anything from minor irritations to outright outrage. You might hear remarks like, “I’m so angry my flight got canceled!” or “He seemed really angry after the team lost.” The directness of “angry” ensures people immediately grasp the significance of your emotional state—often prompting empathy or caution in how they respond. Friends or colleagues may probe, “Why are you so angry?” to understand triggers or determine whether they can help. Sharing everyday annoyances, whether about traffic or mishaps at work, offers camaraderie—others can relate to being “angry” in similar situations. In conflict situations, acknowledging your own or another person’s anger can open a path to resolve tension: “Hey, I realize you’re angry; let’s talk it out.” You can also use “angry” lightly if the context is playful or hyperbolic. Someone jokingly says, “I’m angry you ate the last donut!” when it’s more about light-hearted disappointment than true fury. Tone and facial expressions usually convey whether it’s real anger or just friendly teasing. If you sense a heavier vibe, politely addressing someone’s anger—“I notice you’re upset; can I help?”—offers a supportive way to defuse negativity. Balancing honesty with respect fosters healthier dialogues. Thus, “angry” is a versatile, straightforward word that captures that sharp pinch of unhappiness or fury. In casual talk, it helps people identify what’s bothering them or those around them, sometimes leading to mutual understanding or gentle humor. Whether it’s a passing grumble or a serious complaint, “angry” signals that something’s amiss, inviting either empathy, solutions, or a calming break.
Etymology
The adjective “angry” shares its roots with “anger,” tracing back to the Old Norse word “angr,” originally meaning “grief” or “distress.” As it passed through Old English and Middle English, the term shifted from expressing sorrow to denoting an active, hostile emotion. Historically, medieval medical beliefs connected anger to bodily humors, particularly the “choleric” temperament, associating it with hot, fiery characteristics. Across cultures, expressions of anger have been both stigmatized and ritualized. For instance, ancient Greek philosophers debated whether anger could be righteous—a response to injustice—or a destructive passion to be avoided. Religious texts often warned against uncontrolled anger as it could lead to sin or moral error. Over time, words related to “angry” came to represent a range of intensities—from mild annoyance to violent rage—mirroring the complexity of human emotional life. In modern discourse, “angry” remains a pivotal descriptor for negative emotional reactions, fueling discussions in psychology, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution. The etymological journey highlights how a term once linked to sorrow evolved to describe an outward expression of discontent or hostility, reinforcing that anger sits at the crossroads of emotional pain, perceived threat, and the desire to assert one’s will.