Dictionary
churlish
adjective churl·ish \ˈchər-lish\
: not polite
Full Definition of CHURLISH
2
: marked by a lack of civility or graciousness : surly
3
: difficult to work with or deal with : intractable <churlish soil>
— churl·ish·ly adverb
— churl·ish·ness noun
See churlish defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of CHURLISH
before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of CHURLISH
boorish, churlish, loutish, clownish mean uncouth in manners or appearance. boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable <a drunk's boorish behavior>. churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness <churlish remarks>. loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity <a loutish oaf>. clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics <an adolescent's clownish conduct>.
Rhymes with CHURLISH
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