Restless vs. Restive: What's the Difference?

Characterized by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest

Uneasily impatient or hard to control under restriction, opposition, criticism, or delay

Not able to rest, relax, or be still

Characterized by impatience or an absence of calm; unsettled

Having or showing a persistent desire for change or action

Refusing to move. Used of a horse or other animal.

Never still or motionless

Impatient under delay, duress, or control.

Not allowing or affording rest.

Resistant to control; stubborn.

Without rest; unable to be still or quiet; uneasy; continually moving.

Refusing to move, especially in a forward direction.

Not satisfied to be at rest or in peace; averse to repose; eager for change; discontented.

Unwilling to go on; obstinate in refusing to move forward; stubborn; drawing back.

Deprived of rest or sleep.

Inactive; sluggish.

Never resting; unquiet; uneasy; continually moving; as, a restless child.

Impatient under coercion, chastisement, or opposition; refractory.

Not satisfied to be at rest or in peace; averse to repose or quiet; eager for change; discontented; as, restless schemers; restless ambition; restless subjects.

Uneasy; restless; averse to standing still; fidgeting about; - applied especially to horses.

Deprived of rest or sleep.

Being in a tense state

Passed in unquietness; as, the patient has had a restless night.

Impatient especially under restriction or delay;

Not affording rest; as, a restless chair.

Unable to relax or be still;

Worried and uneasy

Ceaselessly in motion;

Marked by a lack of quiet; not conducive to rest;