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Impetuous vs Petulant - What's the difference?

impetuous | petulant |

As adjectives the difference between impetuous and petulant

is that impetuous is making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner while petulant is childishly irritable.

impetuous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner.
  • * 1880 , John Weeks Moore, Complete Encyclopaedia of Music , "":
    • But it was natural, that the impetuous , restless young artist should incline more to excess of strength than of delicacy in his playing.
  • Characterized by sudden and violent force.
  • * 1794 , :
    • He stands, and views in the faint rays
    Far, far below, the torrent's rising surge,
    And listens to the wild impetuous roar

    Synonyms

    * impulsive * hasty * rash * hotheaded

    petulant

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • childishly irritable
    • Lack of sleep is causing Dave's recent petulant behavior.
  • (obsolete) forward; pert; insolent; wanton.
    • (Burton)

    Synonyms

    * huffy * snappish * irritable * grouchy * bad-tempered * ill-tempered * crabby

    Antonyms

    * easygoing