What does iracund mean?
Iracund is a literary adjective for a person who is inclined to anger. It describes a wrathful, irascible, or hot-tempered disposition and may apply either to a person directly or to words, reactions, and behavior associated with anger. The word has a formal, old-fashioned tone and is not normally used in casual conversation, where irascible, angry, or hot-tempered would be more familiar. Although it is close in meaning to irascible, iracund often gives a broader impression of a character's inherent angry nature rather than merely an easily triggered temper. Its unusual form and Latin origin also make it useful in literary description, where it concisely evokes an intense and imposing demeanor. For modern prose, however, it is best suited to deliberately elevated or historical contexts.
adjectiveInclined to anger; wrathful or hot-tempered.
- Inclined to anger; wrathful or hot-tempered.
"His iracund response at the criticism only strengthened the dispute."
"The iracund landlord shouted at the tenants without pausing to consider their explanations."
"Despite his reputation for being iracund, the scholar remained calm during the lengthy discussion."
Iracund gives a hot temper a distinctly literary name, turning an ordinary description into a character sketch in one word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does iracund come from?
Iracund comes from the Latin adjective iracundus, meaning inclined to anger or wrathful. It was formed from ira, the Latin noun for anger, together with the adjective-forming suffix -cundus. English borrowed the Latin word directly, preserving a formal and distinctly classical character.
How iracund is actually used
Rare and literary, especially in descriptions of a person's temperament or disposition. It may sound formal or archaic in ordinary modern speech.
Easily confused with iracund
Iracund describes a person or temperament marked by anger, whereas irascible more commonly emphasizes someone who becomes angry easily.