Pestilence vs. Petulance — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Pestilence is a term for a widespread, often fatal disease, like a plague. Petulance refers to irritability or ill-tempered behavior, usually seen in people or their actions.
Difference Between Pestilence and Petulance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pestilence is associated with deadly outbreaks of disease, often referring to epidemics or pandemics that devastate populations. Petulance, however, relates to a person's emotional state, describing someone who displays childish or sulky behavior.
Pestilence is a tangible and external phenomenon that impacts societies at large due to its nature as a public health threat. On the other hand, petulance is a more individualistic trait, typically involving petty complaints and fits of anger.
Pestilence affects communities indiscriminately, making it a cause of widespread fear and social disruption. Petulance, by contrast, often creates friction in personal relationships due to the perceived unreasonable behavior of a single individual.
Pestilence requires medical intervention and public health measures to control its spread and effects. Petulance usually calls for personal development, communication, and empathy to alleviate misunderstandings and temper tantrums.
Pestilence has historical significance due to its devastating impacts on societies, like the Black Death. Meanwhile, petulance is a behavioral term frequently encountered in interpersonal relations rather than historical contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A widespread, often fatal disease
Childish or sulky behavior
Usage Context
Public health, epidemics, history
Psychology, personal behavior
Nature
External, affecting communities
Internal, reflecting emotional immaturity
Example
"The pestilence devastated the town."
"His petulance was annoying everyone."
Solution
Requires medical or governmental action
Calls for personal growth and communication
Compare with Definitions
Pestilence
A widespread infectious disease.
The medieval pestilence wiped out much of Europe's population.
Petulance
Irritable and childish behavior.
His petulance showed when he couldn't get his way.
Pestilence
Figurative usage for something destructive.
Greed can be considered a form of pestilence on society.
Petulance
The state of being easily annoyed.
Her petulance became evident when asked to share.
Pestilence
An epidemic causing high mortality.
The pestilence swept through the region, leaving chaos in its wake.
Petulance
Unreasonable irritation.
The team's loss brought out the coach's petulance.
Pestilence
A contagious and deadly illness.
Efforts to contain the pestilence proved ineffective.
Petulance
Display of sulkiness over trivial matters.
He displayed petulance because his favorite show was canceled.
Pestilence
Any infectious disease that is virulent and devastating.
They feared another outbreak of pestilence during the harsh winter.
Petulance
A sign of emotional immaturity.
The petulance in his voice hinted at unresolved issues.
Pestilence
A usually fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.
Petulance
Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish.
Pestilence
A pernicious, evil influence or agent.
Petulance
Contemptuous in speech or behavior.
Pestilence
Any epidemic disease that is highly contagious, infectious, virulent and devastating.
Petulance
(obsolete) Rudeness, insolence.
Pestilence
(archaic) Anything harmful to morals or public order.
Petulance
(obsolete) An insolent remark or act.
Pestilence
Specifically, the disease known as the plague; hence, any contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.
The pestilence That walketh in darkness.
Petulance
Childish impatience or sulkiness; testiness.
Pestilence
Fig.: That which is pestilent, noxious, or pernicious to the moral character of great numbers.
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear.
Petulance
The quality or state of being petulant; temporary peevishness; pettishness; capricious ill humor.
Like pride in some, and like petulance in others.
The lowering eye, the petulance, the frown.
Pestilence
Any epidemic disease with a high death rate
Petulance
An irritable petulant feeling
Pestilence
A pernicious evil influence
Common Curiosities
Is petulance considered a personality trait?
Yes, petulance can be a personality trait characterized by habitual irritability and moodiness.
Is pestilence always a fatal disease?
Pestilence often refers to fatal epidemics, but it generally denotes any widespread infectious disease with serious consequences.
What measures control pestilence?
Quarantines, vaccinations, and proper sanitation are effective measures.
What is a historical example of pestilence?
The Black Death in the 14th century is a well-known example of pestilence.
Does petulance only apply to children?
No, petulance can describe anyone displaying childish, sulky behavior, regardless of age.
How can petulance affect relationships?
It can cause misunderstandings and conflicts due to its unreasonable, demanding nature.
How does pestilence impact societies?
Pestilence can disrupt economies, overwhelm healthcare systems, and cause widespread mortality.
Is petulance linked to mental health issues?
It can be, especially if chronic petulance affects daily life and relationships.
Can pestilence refer to non-disease situations?
Yes, pestilence is sometimes used figuratively for destructive influences, like "a pestilence of corruption."
Can petulance be treated?
Yes, through personal development, counseling, and improved communication skills.
Is pestilence contagious?
Yes, pestilence typically refers to highly contagious diseases that spread quickly.
Are petulance and impatience similar?
They are related but not the same; impatience is frustration over delays, while petulance is a more general irritable attitude.
Are there synonyms for petulance?
Yes, synonyms include irritability, sulkiness, and peevishness.
What differentiates pestilence from other diseases?
Pestilence specifically implies widespread, often catastrophic outbreaks.
What symptoms identify pestilence?
Symptoms vary by disease but often include fever, nausea, and severe fatigue.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
