Vexatiously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vexatiously

[ˌvekˈsāSHəslē ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a troublesome or annoying manner

In a vexatious manner; annoyingly, irritatingly, or frustratingly.

Synonyms

annoyingly, frustratingly, irritatingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vexatiously

Use this word to describe a situation or behavior that is causing trouble or is intended to cause annoyance on purpose. It is often used in legal contexts to describe actions that are meant to be disruptive or harassing.

  • The neighbor continued to file vexatious complaints against us.
annoyingly

This word is used to describe something that causes slight anger or irritation. It is less intense and used in more casual contexts.

  • She annoyingly tapped her pencil on the table during the meeting.
irritatingly

This word describes something that causes irritation or annoyance. It suggests a stronger sense of discomfort or disturbance compared to 'annoyingly'.

  • He irritatingly interrupted me every time I tried to speak.
frustratingly

This word is used when something causes frustration, typically because it is difficult to deal with or not going as planned. It's often used to describe situations or tasks.

  • The software frustratingly crashed every time I tried to save my work.

Examples of usage

  • She continued vexatiously to hold him responsible for the incident.
  • The student asked vexatiously repetitive questions during the lecture.
  • The customer complained vexatiously about the service she received.
  • The boss behaved vexatiously towards his employees.
  • The neighbor vexatiously played loud music late at night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, actions taken vexatiously can refer to lawsuits aimed to harass or annoy someone rather than to resolve a legitimate legal issue.
  • Vexatious litigants are individuals who consistently bring ungrounded, frivolous lawsuits, causing needless legal trouble.
  • Courts may dismiss cases deemed vexatious to prevent abuse of the legal system.

Psychology

  • Feeling vexed can trigger stress responses, leading to frustration or anxiety, especially when compounded over time.
  • Psychological research shows that repeated exposure to vexatious situations can harm mental well-being and lead to chronic irritability.
  • Addressing vexatious stressors can be vital in improving emotional health and interpersonal relationships.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters may act vexatiously to create tension or drama, often leading to misunderstandings.
  • Films often explore themes of vexation through comedic scenarios where minor annoyances escalate into major conflicts.
  • Vexatious situations are a common trope in sitcoms, where humorous miscommunications lead to chaotic outcomes.

Everyday Life

  • Common examples of vexatious behaviors include incessant interruptions during conversations or nagging.
  • People might use the term to describe annoying advertisements that pop up unexpectedly on social media.
  • In the workplace, repeated interruptions from colleagues can create a vexatious environment, impacting productivity.

Origin of 'vexatiously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vexare', which means to shake or disturb.
  • In English, it has been in use since the early 17th century, initially pertaining to causing distress or annoyance.
  • The suffix '-tiously' signals a manner or way of doing something, often implying a negative quality.

The word 'vexatiously' originates from the Middle English word 'vexacioun', which came from the Old French word 'vexacion', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'vexatio'. The term has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to its current form to describe actions or behaviors that are troublesome, annoying, or frustrating.


See also: vex, vexation, vexatious, vexed, vexing.