Angry

/ˈæŋɡri/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonEmotion
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

1

Experiencing or showing strong displeasure or hostility.

/ˈæŋɡri/

adjectivenegativeBeginner
Emotion

Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

She was angry about the injustice.

💡 Simply: Feeling mad or upset.

More Examples

2

His angry words hurt my feelings.

How It's Used

Everyday Conversation

"He got angry when he saw the broken vase."

Psychology

"The therapist helped the patient manage their angry feelings."

Idioms & expressions

to fly off the handle

To suddenly become very angry.

"He flew off the handle when he saw the mess."

From Old English *angri, from Proto-Germanic *angriz, from Proto-Indo-European *(h₁)eŋǵʰ- ‘narrow, constricted’. The sense development is likely from a physical constriction to a feeling of internal constriction or frustration.

The word 'angry' has consistently been used to describe feelings of strong displeasure throughout recorded history, though the specific expressions and cultural contexts have evolved.

Memory tip

Think of 'ang' as in anguish, and 'ry' as in scary – feeling angry is a mix of pain and fear.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"narrow, constricted (referring to both physical and emotional states)"

Base: anger
angry outburstangry mobangry lookmake someone angry

Common misspellings

angeryangreyangrie

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written