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Definition of testy

testy

/ˈtɛs.ti/
tes · ty
Adverb:testily
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testy Lexical Profile

testy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Easily irritated, impatient, and bad-tempered; showing quick annoyance or petulance.

Example

"The exhausted commuter grew increasingly testy after the train was delayed for a third time."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for testy

• Nearby Words

testing
testis
testosterone
testy
tet
tetanus
tetchiness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'testif' (meaning headstrong or impetuous), borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'testif', which derives from 'teste' (head, from Latin 'testa'). The final '-f' was gradually replaced in the 16th century under the influence of the English adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Testy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/testy
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