Meddlesome: meaning, definitions and examples
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meddlesome
[ ˈmɛdəlsəm ]
in relationships
Interfering in other people's affairs or business; meddling.
Synonyms
busybody, intrusive, nosy, prying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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meddlesome |
Used to describe someone who interferes in other people's affairs without being asked, often causing trouble or disruptions.
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intrusive |
Used to describe actions or behaviors that invade someone's privacy or personal space, often making them feel uncomfortable.
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nosy |
Informal and often slightly negative term for someone who shows too much curiosity about other people's lives or business.
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prying |
Refers to a person or behavior that tries to find out private or sensitive information about someone else, often considered inappropriate or unwelcome.
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busybody |
Refers to a person who is overly interested in the private matters of others, often in a way that is seen as annoying or inappropriate.
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Examples of usage
- She was always asking me about my personal life, she was quite meddlesome.
- The meddlesome neighbor couldn't resist gossiping about everyone on the block.
in work
Interfering or intruding in a situation or activity where one is not wanted or needed.
Synonyms
interfering, intrusive, meddling, obtrusive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
meddlesome |
Used to describe someone who habitually inserts themselves into situations where they are not wanted or needed. Often used negatively.
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interfering |
Applied when someone is interrupting or getting involved in a situation, often causing problems or being unwelcome. Typically negative.
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intrusive |
Describes actions or behavior that invade someone's privacy or space. Commonly used in a negative sense.
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obtrusive |
Used when describing something or someone that is noticeably annoying or unwanted; often used to describe something physically prominent or something that stands out in an unwelcome way.
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meddling |
Refers to minor but annoying habitual involvement in someone else's affairs. Negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His meddlesome behavior at the office made everyone uncomfortable.
- The meddlesome colleague kept trying to micromanage my projects.
Translations
Translations of the word "meddlesome" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intrometido
🇮🇳 दखलंदाज़
🇩🇪 neugierig
🇮🇩 usil
🇺🇦 надокучливий
🇵🇱 wścibski
🇯🇵 おせっかい
🇫🇷 mêle-tout
🇪🇸 entrometido
🇹🇷 işgüzar
🇰🇷 참견하기 좋아하는
🇸🇦 فضولي
🇨🇿 dotěrný
🇸🇰 dotieravý
🇨🇳 多管闲事
🇸🇮 vsiljiv
🇮🇸 ágangsharður
🇰🇿 араласатын
🇬🇪 თავბრუდამხვევი
🇦🇿 müdaxilə edən
🇲🇽 entrometido
Etymology
The word 'meddlesome' originated from the Middle English word 'medelsome', which meant inclined to meddle. The suffix '-some' is used to form adjectives indicating a tendency or state. The word 'meddle' itself comes from the Old English 'meddlian', meaning to mix, mingle, or interfere. Over time, 'meddlesome' has evolved to describe someone who interferes inappropriately in the affairs of others.