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Obtrusively: meaning, definitions and examples

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obtrusively

 

[əbˈtruːsɪvli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a noticeable or intrusive way

Obtrusively means in a way that is noticeable or intrusive, often in a manner that is unwelcome or intrusive. It refers to something that stands out and attracts attention in a forceful or pushy manner. This adverb is commonly used to describe behavior or actions that are overly conspicuous or interfering.

Synonyms

boldly, intrusively, pushily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obtrusively

Used when describing someone's behavior that is unpleasantly noticeable and often inappropriate in social settings.

  • She obtrusively interrupted the meeting, drawing everyone's attention to her instead of the speaker
intrusively

Describes actions that invade someone's privacy or personal space, typically carrying a negative connotation.

  • His intrusively personal questions made everyone uncomfortable during the interview
boldly

Appropriate in situations where someone acts with courage or confidence, often in a positive sense.

  • He boldly defended his friend against the unfair accusations
pushily

Refers to behavior that is offensively aggressive or forceful, usually seen negatively.

  • She pushily demanded a better table at the restaurant, ignoring the hostess's explanations

Examples of usage

  • He obtrusively interrupted the conversation with his loud voice.
  • She obtrusively displayed her wealth by wearing expensive jewelry.
  • The advertisement obtrusively popped up on the screen while I was reading.
  • The salesman obtrusively followed me around the store, trying to make a sale.
  • The smell of the perfume was obtrusively strong in the small room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obtrudere', which means 'to thrust in' or 'to push against'.
  • It entered English in the late 19th century, typically describing manners or styles that are unwanted.
  • It is a combination of 'ob-' meaning 'against' and 'trudere' meaning 'to push'.

Psychology

  • In social psychology, behaviors described as obtrusive can lead to discomfort and a need for personal space.
  • People often respond negatively to obtrusive individuals, as it can cause anxiety and stress in social settings.
  • Obtrusiveness can result in the 'spotlight effect,' where a person feels more noticeable than they actually are.

Literature

  • In literature, characters with obtrusive traits often serve to create tension or conflict within the story.
  • The use of obtrusiveness in a narrative can emphasize a character's flaws or create humor in a scene.
  • Writers may utilize this term to describe settings or characters that are overly dramatic or dominate the mood.

Pop Culture

  • Obtrusive advertising, such as pop-up ads, often frustrates users while browsing the internet.
  • In films, overly loud background music or exaggerated special effects can distract viewers, making the experience obtrusive.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes feature obtrusive personalities that overshadow quieter participants, changing the dynamics of the show.

Translations

Translations of the word "obtrusively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intrusivamente

🇮🇳 अतिक्रमणकारी ढंग से

🇩🇪 aufdringlich

🇮🇩 secara mengganggu

🇺🇦 нав'язливо

🇵🇱 natarczywie

🇯🇵 押しつけがましく

🇫🇷 de manière intrusive

🇪🇸 de manera intrusiva

🇹🇷 ısrarla

🇰🇷 강요적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل متطفل

🇨🇿 vtíravě

🇸🇰 vtieravo

🇨🇳 强行地

🇸🇮 vsiljivo

🇮🇸 ágengilega

🇰🇿 жабысып

🇬🇪 შემაკავებლად

🇦🇿 israrlı şəkildə

🇲🇽 de manera intrusiva

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,418, 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.