choleric
What does "choleric" mean?
"Choleric" describes a person who is easily angered, irritable, or prone to sudden outbursts of temper. The mental image is of someone whose face turns red with heat and frustration the moment things do not go exactly their way. It is a formal or literary term, historically rooted in the ancient theory of the "four humors," where an excess of yellow bile was thought to cause an aggressive temperament. You would use this to describe a character in a novel or a notoriously grumpy historical figure, rather than in casual daily conversation.
"choleric" in conversation
Discussing a difficult boss
Is the director in a good mood today?
Is the director in a good mood today?
Not at all. He’s been quite choleric since the morning meeting.
Not at all. He’s been quite choleric since the morning meeting.
Used to describe someone who is currently displaying a volatile temper.
Literary analysis
How would you describe the King's behavior in Act One?
How would you describe the King's behavior in Act One?
He is clearly a choleric man; he threatens his advisors over the smallest inconveniences.
He is clearly a choleric man; he threatens his advisors over the smallest inconveniences.
This word is perfect for describing archetypal characters in classic literature.
"choleric" in a sentence
The choleric man shouted at the waiter for bringing the wrong drink.
The choleric man shouted at the waiter for bringing the wrong drink.
She tried to avoid her uncle whenever he was in one of his choleric moods.
She tried to avoid her uncle whenever he was in one of his choleric moods.
His choleric disposition made him an ineffective leader, as his subordinates feared his unpredictable outbursts.
His choleric disposition made him an ineffective leader, as his subordinates feared his unpredictable outbursts.
