Bossy: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe someone who likes to give orders in a way that is annoying or irritating. It often has a negative connotation.

• Jane is so bossy; she always tells everyone what to do
• My brother can be bossy when we play games

Describes someone who asserts their will over others in a forceful and overbearing way, usually negative.

• Her domineering personality makes it hard to work with her on group projects
• The domineering parent didn't let their child make their own choices

Appropriately used to describe someone who is confident and commands respect, implying competence and reliability without negative connotations.

• The teacher was authoritative, capturing the students' attention easily
• She gave the instructions in an authoritative manner

Used to describe someone who wants to dominate others' actions and decisions, often perceived negatively.

• Mark is very controlling in his relationships, which makes it hard for others to feel free
• She tends to be controlling about how the project is managed

Conveys a sense of someone who imposes their will on others in an oppressive or harsh manner, almost ruling like a dictator. This word is strongly negative.

• His dictatorial management style makes working in the office unbearable
• The principal's dictatorial decisions angered the teachers

This word is often used informally to describe someone who likes to give orders in a dominating way, usually in everyday situations. It's typically used with a negative connotation, especially when someone is being annoyingly authoritative over minor issues.

• My little sister is so bossy; she always tells me what to do.
• His bossy attitude made him unpopular among his peers.

This word is used to describe someone who is excessively domineering and tries to impose their will on others in an unpleasant way. It can be applied to both personal and professional relationships.

• Her overbearing mother constantly interfered in her personal life.
• His overbearing attitude made teamwork almost impossible.

Use 'oppressive' in situations where someone is exercising harsh and authoritarian control, often causing a feeling of heavy burden or depression. This word conveys a very strong negative connotation.

• The oppressive regime left the citizens with no freedom of speech.
• Working under such oppressive conditions was unbearable for many employees.

This term is used for extremely harsh and cruel exercise of power, often in a ruler or authoritarian context. It suggests a severe abuse of power and has a very strong negative implication.

• The tyrannical dictator ruled with an iron fist, ignoring the suffering of the populace.
• His tyrannical leadership style caused fear and resentment among the employees.

This term is generally used to describe someone who is acting in an arrogant or condescending manner, often abusing their power without regard for others' feelings or opinions. This can be applied to more formal or serious situations than 'bossy.'

• The manager's high-handed approach to staff meetings discouraged open discussion.
• Her high-handed manner made it difficult for others to approach her with concerns.