Nosy: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe someone who is overly interested in other people's private matters. It typically has a negative connotation.

• She is so nosy, always looking through her neighbors' windows
• He tends to be nosy about his colleagues' personal lives

This word describes someone who is interested in learning or discovering new things. It usually has a positive or neutral connotation.

• The curious child asked many questions about the stars
• I'm curious to know how this machine works

This word refers to someone trying to find out private information about others, often by being too direct or pushy. It usually has a negative connotation.

• Stop prying into my personal affairs! The prying journalist wouldn't leave her alone

This word describes actions or behavior that invades someone's personal space or privacy. It carries a negative connotation.

• Her questions were intrusive and made him uncomfortable
• The intrusive neighbor kept asking private questions

When someone is overly curious about other people's private affairs in an annoying way.

• My neighbor is so nosy; she keeps asking about my personal life.
• Don't be nosy, it's none of your business.

Refers to a person who is eager for knowledge and likes to ask questions, generally in a positive or neutral sense.

• Her inquisitive nature makes her a great scientist.
• The child is very inquisitive, always asking how things work.

Describes someone who interferes in things that don't concern them, often with a negative connotation.

• He can be quite meddlesome, always offering unsolicited advice.
• Her meddlesome behavior caused a lot of problems in the team.

Used to describe a person who interferes in other people's matters out of curiosity or gossiping interest.

• He's such a busybody, always butting into everyone's conversations.
• The office busybody spread rumors about the new employee.

When someone asks too many personal questions or shows too much interest in things that don't concern them. It can have a negative connotation.

• My neighbor is very nosy and always asks about my personal life

When someone interferes in other people's affairs or business, often causing problems. This word has a distinctly negative tone.

• The meddlesome colleague kept trying to tell everyone how to do their jobs

Indicates unwanted or excessive curiosity, similar to 'nosy', but can sometimes imply a bit more effort to uncover private information.

• She found her roommate prying into her diary again

Usually used in more formal situations where someone's actions violate personal space or privacy. It implies a more serious level of annoyance or discomfort.

• The intrusive reporter wouldn't stop asking about their private matters