Intrusiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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intrusiveness

 

[ ɪnˈtruː.sɪv.nəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Intrusiveness refers to the quality of being intrusive, where an individual or entity disrupts the privacy or peace of others. This can manifest in various scenarios, such as personal space invasion or unwelcome inquiries. It is often perceived negatively, highlighting a disregard for boundaries.

Synonyms

imposition, invasiveness, meddlesomeness, obtrusiveness

Examples of usage

  • The intrusiveness of her questions made him uncomfortable.
  • Their intrusiveness during the meeting hindered progress.
  • He felt the intrusiveness of the cameras in his personal life.
  • The intrusiveness of advertisements can irritate users online.

Word origin

The term 'intrusiveness' is derived from the word 'intrusive,' which comes from the Latin verb 'intrudere,' meaning 'to thrust in.' The suffix '-ness' transforms the adjective 'intrusive' into a noun, indicating a state or quality. The usage of 'intrusive' in English dates back to the early 19th century, primarily used to describe unwelcome or disruptive actions that interrupt the expected order or tranquility in various contexts, including personal interactions and environments. Over time, 'intrusiveness' has emerged to encapsulate a broader spectrum of behaviors, especially in social and technological realms, reflecting growing concerns about privacy and personal space.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,023, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.