Intrusively: meaning, definitions and examples

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intrusively

 

[ɪnˈtruːsɪvli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe actions or behavior

in a way that is annoyingly invasive or presumptuous

Synonyms

obtrusively, pushily, rudely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intrusively

Used when describing actions that are unwelcome and invade someone's privacy or personal space.

  • The neighbor watched intrusively as we moved in
  • The reporter asked questions intrusively, making everyone uncomfortable
pushily

Used when describing behavior that is aggressively persistent in a way that is likely to irritate others.

  • The salesman pursued us pushily even when we tried to leave the store
  • She pushily insisted on getting her way during the meeting
obtrusively

Used when describing something that is noticeably or offensively conspicuous, often in a way that disrupts the environment or situation.

  • The bright neon sign stood out obtrusively in the quiet village
  • His perfume was so strong that it smelled obtrusively throughout the entire office
rudely

Used when describing actions or words that are disrespectful or impolite.

  • He rudely interrupted the speaker in the middle of the presentation
  • The waiter was treated rudely by the impatient customer

Examples of usage

  • He kept intrusively asking personal questions.
  • The salesperson followed us around the store intrusively.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe actions or behavior

in a way that disrupts or interrupts

Synonyms

disruptively, interruptively, obnoxiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intrusively

When someone or something invades personal space or privacy in an unwelcome way.

  • He asked questions about her personal life intrusively, making her uncomfortable.
  • The sales representative was intrusively persistent, not taking 'no' for an answer.
disruptively

When actions cause interruptions or disturbance, hindering progress or normal function.

  • The student behaved disruptively during class, causing the teacher to lose focus.
  • Construction noise disruptively interrupted the meeting.
interruptively

When someone or something breaks the flow of an ongoing activity or conversation.

  • She kept speaking interruptively during his presentation, making it difficult for him to continue.
  • The loud ringtone rang interruptively, halting the discussion abruptly.
obnoxiously

When behavior is unpleasant, offensive, or annoying, often drawing negative attention or reactions.

  • He bragged about his achievements obnoxiously, making everyone around him uncomfortable.
  • The children were behaving obnoxiously, screaming and throwing things in the store.

Examples of usage

  • She intrusively barged into the conversation.
  • The loud music intrusively interrupted our meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intrusio', meaning 'to thrust in, to invade'.
  • The original Latin stem 'trudere' means 'to push', which reflects the idea of pushing into someone's space.
  • In English, 'intrusive' was first recorded in the early 19th century, denoting unwanted encroachment.

Psychology

  • Intrusive thoughts can be distressing and are often linked to anxiety disorders, where people struggle with unwanted ideas.
  • The phenomenon of 'intrusive memories' can happen after traumatic events, triggering stress responses.
  • Mindfulness practices are often recommended to help reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts.

Social Behavior

  • People may feel intrusively watched in crowded public places, contributing to feelings of anxiety or discomfort.
  • In many cultures, personal space is defined differently; what feels intrusive in one culture might be considered acceptable in another.
  • Technology can also intrude on privacy, such as social media algorithms suggesting friends or posts without consent.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face intrusive elements, such as spies or nosy neighbors, that complicate their lives.
  • Authors may use intrusive narrative voices to draw readers’ attention to themes or messages in a story.
  • Classic works often explore the idea of social intrusiveness, highlighting conflicts between characters and societal expectations.

Art

  • Intrusive elements in art can challenge viewers, evoking strong emotional responses or discussions about boundaries.
  • Performance art sometimes uses intrusive themes to question societal norms or provoke interaction with the audience.
  • Modern installations may purposefully invade personal spaces, confronting viewers with uncomfortable realities.

Translations

Translations of the word "intrusively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intrusivamente

🇮🇳 अनधिकारपूर्वक

🇩🇪 aufdringlich

🇮🇩 mengganggu

🇺🇦 нав'язливо

🇵🇱 natrętnie

🇯🇵 押し付けがましく

🇫🇷 intrusivement

🇪🇸 intrusivamente

🇹🇷 rahatsız edici şekilde

🇰🇷 성가시게

🇸🇦 بشكل متطفل

🇨🇿 vtíravě

🇸🇰 vtieravo

🇨🇳 侵入地

🇸🇮 vsiljivo

🇮🇸 ágangsamlega

🇰🇿 ыңғайсыздай

🇬🇪 თავხედურად

🇦🇿 dəsmətkarlıqla

🇲🇽 intrusivamente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,252, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.