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Vexing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vexing

[หˆvษ›ksษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of irritation

Causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry.

Synonyms

annoying, bothersome, irritating, troublesome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vexing

Use when describing something that causes frustration or worry, often in a more formal or literary sense.

  • The constant delays were becoming quite vexing to the passengers
annoying

Best for everyday situations where something or someone is causing a mild to moderate discomfort or irritation.

  • The loud music from the neighborโ€™s party is really annoying me
irritating

Used when referring to something that causes physical or emotional irritation, often more severe than just annoying.

  • His constant interruptions during the meeting were very irritating
bothersome

Suitable for describing something that causes minor inconvenience or discomfort.

  • The mosquitoes at the campsite were extremely bothersome
troublesome

Describes something that causes significant problems or complications. It has a slightly stronger negative connotation.

  • The troublesome engine in the old car required frequent repairs

Examples of usage

  • The constant noise from the construction site next door was quite vexing.
  • Her vexing habit of always being late was starting to strain their friendship.
Context #2 | Verb

to irritate or annoy

Make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.

Synonyms

aggravate, annoy, bother, irritate.

Examples of usage

  • It vexes me when people talk loudly in the library.
  • The way he constantly interrupts during meetings really vexes his colleagues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often describe vexing situations as those that trigger frustration, which can lead to stress if not managed.
  • Recognizing what's vexing you allows for better emotional regulation and coping strategies.
  • The act of identifying vexing factors in life can actually lead to personal growth and resilience.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, a vexing character often serves as a source of humor or tension, making stories more engaging.
  • Television shows frequently showcase vexing scenarios to create conflict and drive plot development.
  • Songs and poetry often explore themes of vexation, capturing the complexities of human emotions.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features characters experiencing vexing dilemmas that lead to personal revelations.
  • Vexation is a common theme in Shakespearean works, where characters are frequently torn by conflicting desires.
  • Modern novels also use emotional vexation to build relatable characters, drawing readers into their struggles.

Everyday Life

  • In day-to-day conversations, people might discuss vexing moments, like dealing with a difficult coworker or a stubborn machine.
  • Vexing can be a cue for us to take a step back and assess our reactions, helping improve problem-solving skills.
  • Every person has their own unique vexing triggers; what bothers one may be amusing to another.

Origin of 'vexing'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'vexare,' meaning 'to shake' or 'to disturb,' reflecting how annoying things can shake up your peace.
  • The term entered English in the 14th century, indicating how long people have been experiencing irritation.
  • It's related to other English words like 'vexation,' which describes the feeling of being annoyed.

The word 'vexing' originated from the Old French word 'vexer' which means 'to annoy'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The term has evolved over time to encompass the idea of causing irritation or frustration.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,441, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.