WordGarden.ioangry
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæŋɡri/
US
- /ˈæŋɡri/
Meanings
Adjective
feeling or showing anger
fierce, violent, or intensely inflamed in appearance or effect
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny spark of frustration building inside you – that's the beginning of anger. Anger isn't always bad; it can signal that something is wrong and motivate us to fix it. But when that spark grows into a roaring flame, it becomes difficult to control. You might feel angry if someone breaks your favorite toy, or if you're treated unfairly. We can be angry at a person, angry about a situation, or even angry with ourselves. A grumpy old man might be perpetually angry at the neighborhood kids for playing too loudly. Sometimes anger bubbles up quickly like a shaken soda bottle, and other times it simmers slowly beneath the surface. Understanding why we're angry is often the first step to dealing with it constructively.
Anger is a powerful emotion characterized by hostility or antagonism toward someone or something you feel has wronged you, threatened you, or treated you unfairly. It's more than just feeling annoyed; it's a strong, unpleasant emotional response that can range from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.
The experience of anger is complex. Physically, it often manifests as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and heightened senses – preparing the body for "fight or flight." Emotionally, it can involve feelings of frustration, resentment, betrayal, or helplessness.
Anger isn't always expressed outwardly. Sometimes people suppress their anger, bottling it up inside, which can be unhealthy in the long run. Others express it through verbal outbursts, aggressive behavior, or passive-aggressive actions.
The context of anger is crucial. Getting angry about injustice is different from getting angry over a spilled glass of milk. Cultural norms also influence how anger is expressed and perceived – what's considered acceptable in one culture might be frowned upon in another.
Literature often explores the destructive power of unchecked anger, like in Shakespeare's Othello, where jealousy and rage lead to tragedy. But it can also be a force for positive change, driving people to stand up for themselves or fight against injustice. Ultimately, understanding and managing our anger is essential for healthy relationships and well-being.
Examples
- 1
Family
Dad was angry when he saw the broken window.
- 2
Personal blame
She was angry with her brother for borrowing her bike without asking.
- Patternangry with + person
upset because of what that person did
- 3
Public reaction
A lot of people are angry about the price increase.
- Patternangry about + situation/event
upset because of it
- 4
Spoken reassurance
I'm not angry at you, just disappointed.
- Usage
angry at is also common, especially in spoken English
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Phone call
He sounded angry on the phone, so I called back later.
- 6
Emotional change
The coach got angry when the team stopped listening.
- Patternget angry
become angry
- 7
Self-blame
She was angry with herself for missing the deadline.
- 8
Public services
Residents were angry that the city cut bus service again.
- Patternangry that + clause
upset because something happened
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- angryadjective
Forms
- angriercomparativeadjective
- angriestsuperlativeadjective