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Prissily: meaning, definitions and examples

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prissily

 

[ ˈprɪs.ɪ.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Prissily describes a manner of behavior that is characterized by excessive propriety or affectedly dainty sensibility. It often implies a sense of self-importance or exaggerated concern for appearances. Individuals who act prissily may seem overly sensitive or prim, often to the point of being comical. This attitude can be found in various social settings, where a person may be excessively concerned about manners or decorum.

Synonyms

affectedly, hypocritically, prudishly

Examples of usage

  • She prissily corrected his table manners during dinner.
  • The actress prissily dismissed the director's suggestions.
  • He spoke prissily about the inappropriate attire at the event.

Translations

Translations of the word "prissily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exigente

🇮🇳 कट्टर

🇩🇪 streng

🇮🇩 ketat

🇺🇦 прискіпливий

🇵🇱 wymagający

🇯🇵 厳しい

🇫🇷 exigeant

🇪🇸 exigente

🇹🇷 tahammül edilemez

🇰🇷 까다로운

🇸🇦 صارم

🇨🇿 náročný

🇸🇰 náročný

🇨🇳 苛刻的

🇸🇮 zahteven

🇮🇸 kröftugur

🇰🇿 қатал

🇬🇪 მკაცრი

🇦🇿 tələblidir

🇲🇽 exigente

Word origin

The term 'prissily' is derived from the adjective 'prissy,' which has its roots in the mid-19th century. It's believed to be a diminutive form of 'priss,' representing a person who is fastidious or excessively concerned with propriety and decency. The evolution of the word reflects a growing cultural perception of certain social behaviors as overly meticulous or self-important. The suffix '-ly' converts the adjective into an adverb, demonstrating how the manner of doing something can embody the essence of 'prissy.' Throughout its history, 'prissily' has often been used in literary works to depict characters that embody traits of exaggerated primness or affectation, which, in many cases, serve to satirize social norms or behaviors.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,891, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.