Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Vocabulary questions checking definitions test your knowledge of formal nouns that describe emotional states and behavioral attitudes.
The noun ``petulance'' tracks a specific negative temperament.
Understanding words like this is crucial for comprehension sections where character traits are analyzed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let’s analyze the precise meaning of the word alongside the given options to determine the correct fit:
PETULANCE: The quality of being childishly sulky, bad-tempered, bad-mannered, or easily annoyed over trivial matters.
It mimics the display of an impatient, angry tantrum typically seen in young children who are frustrated.
Now let's check the options:
1. Deep wisdom: An invalid definition; wisdom represents mature discernment and deep understanding. This is the complete opposite of reacting petulantly.
2. Childish irritability (Correct): This matches the definition exactly. A petulant person shows sudden, unwarranted annoyance over minor inconveniences, much like a stubborn child throwing a tantrum.
3. Great courage: An invalid choice; courage is bravery in the face of fear or pain. It is a noble quality, whereas petulance is an immature one.
4. Honest behaviour: An invalid choice; honesty deals with integrity and truthfulness, not with mood or temper.
This confirms that choice (b) is the unique definition matching the term.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Petulance is essentially the trait of being peevish or cranky.
The correct meaning of petulance is Childish irritability (Option b).