Restive is descended from the Anglo-French verb rester, meaning "to stop, resist, or remain." Its initial meaning in the 15th century was "stubbornly resisting control or guidance; obstinate in …

The public is exceedingly restive of the expenditure because in many parts they feel that they are not getting value for it.

Definition of restive adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. unable to stay still, or unwilling to be controlled, especially because you feel bored or not satisfied. The crowd was …

To be restive is to be impatient or on edge — it's an edgy state. When you feel like your skin is too tight and your nerves are ready to snap, when you feel ready to explode, you are restive.

restive (ˈrɛstɪv) adj 1. restless, nervous, or uneasy 2. impatient of control or authority

RESTIVE definition: impatient of control, restraint, or delay, as persons; restless; uneasy. See examples of restive used in a sentence.

Dec 16, 2025 · Merriam-Webster states that this word was originally used to describe horses that disobeyed commands. Presumably, then, the word came to mean "fidgety" or "anxious" more …

restive, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

restive /ˈrɛstɪv/ adj restless, nervous, or uneasy impatient of control or authority Etymology: 16th Century: from Old French restif balky, from rester to remain ˈrestively adv ˈrestiveness n …

2 meanings: 1. restless, nervous, or uneasy 2. impatient of control or authority.... Click for more definitions.