Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
Somebody who is ‘testy’ is typically impatient and quick to anger, often over trivial things. Unlike some similar meaning words, it does not necessarily imply a character flaw or something innate. A person can become testy in a moment of frustration or after a long and busy day. Either way, such behaviour elicits a strongly negative reaction from others.
After a long day at work, I am often testy when I get home which can be difficult for my family to cope with.
My review with my boss got quite testy. I felt that she was being overly confrontational and responded defensively.
Gary does not like being criticized and reacted testily when I offered my honest opinion of his work.