protervity

noun

pro·​ter·​vi·​ty
prəˈtərvətē
plural -es
1
: a petulant manner : peevishness
2
: insolent sauciness

Word History

Etymology

Latin protervitas, from protervus forward, bold, impudent, flighty (probably alteration of protervus, from pro- forward + -ptervus —akin to Greek petesthai to fly) + -itas -ity

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Dictionary Entries Near protervity

Proterozoic

protervity

protest

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Cite this Entry

“Protervity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protervity. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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