English Reference

Word

huff

US/ˈhəf/

UK/hˈʌf/

Definition

n. a short period of time when you are annoyed or offended by something. You might show this by breathing out loudly or leaving the room suddenly.

n. a state of irritation or annoyance, typically manifested by a display of offended dignity. Often occurs in the fixed phrase 'in a huff'.

Examples

“He left the room in a huff after losing the game.”

“She went off in a huff because nobody had asked for her opinion during the meeting.”

“The lead actor retreated to his dressing room in a huff, refusing to return until the director issued a formal apology for the interruption.”

Examples

simple

“He left the room in a huff after losing the game.”

contextual

“She went off in a huff because nobody had asked for her opinion during the meeting.”

complex

“The lead actor retreated to his dressing room in a huff, refusing to return until the director issued a formal apology for the interruption.”

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'in' to describe a temporary emotional state.

Idioms

take huff — To take offence.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference