1. In a bad-tempered, quarrelsome, or argumentative manner
He cantankerously refused to cooperate with the project.
Ele recusou-se, de forma irritadiça, a cooperar com o projeto.
2. In a grumpy or peevish way; with persistent ill humor
The old man cantankerously complained about everything.
O velho homem reclamava de tudo de forma irritadiça.