Obtrusively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obtrusively
[əbˈtruːsɪvli ]
Definition
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obtrusively |
Used when describing someone's behavior that is unpleasantly noticeable and often inappropriate in social settings.
|
| intrusively |
Describes actions that invade someone's privacy or personal space, typically carrying a negative connotation.
|
| boldly |
Appropriate in situations where someone acts with courage or confidence, often in a positive sense.
|
| pushily |
Refers to behavior that is offensively aggressive or forceful, usually seen negatively.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'obtrusively'
Main points about word origin
- 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'.
The word 'obtrusively' is derived from the adjective 'obtrusive', which comes from the Latin word 'obtrudere', meaning 'to thrust upon'. The concept of being obtrusive dates back to the 17th century when it was used to describe things that were thrust forward in an intrusive or unwelcome manner. Over time, the adverb 'obtrusively' evolved to describe actions or behaviors that are overly conspicuous or interfering. It has been commonly used in English language literature and communication to convey the idea of something standing out in a noticeable or pushy way.
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.