Word
nosy
Nosy describes someone who is too interested in other people’s private business.
Meanings
Too interested in other people’s private affairs; prying.
Intrusive by asking many personal questions or trying to learn information that is not your business.
Definition
Nosy means overly curious about other people’s personal lives or matters that do not concern you. It often suggests asking too many questions or trying to find out private information. The word is usually negative and can sound rude if said directly to someone.
Examples
- My nosy neighbor always asks where I’m going.
- Stop being nosy and let them talk in private.
- He felt uncomfortable with her nosy questions.
- I didn’t mean to be nosy, but are you moving soon?
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use nosy to mean “curious in general,” but it usually means prying into private matters and sounds negative.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.