prying - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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prying

|pry-ing|

/ˈpraɪɪŋ/

(pry)

nosy inquiry

Base Form	Plural	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle
pry	pryers	pries	pried	pried	prying

Etymology

Etymology Information

'pry' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'prien,' where 'prien' meant 'to peer or look closely.'

Historical Evolution

'prien' transformed into the modern English word 'pry' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to peer or look closely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to inquire too closely into a person's private affairs.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

present participle of 'pry'.

He was prying into her personal life.

Synonyms

snoop investigate

Antonyms

ignore

Adjective 1

excessively interested in a person's private affairs; nosy.

She was tired of her prying neighbors.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40