Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/əˈnɔɪ/

Definitions

• To irritate or make someone slightly angry or bothered.
• To cause slight discomfort or displeasure.
• To provoke a reaction from someone through repetitive actions or behavior.

Usage Examples

• "His constant humming really annoys me."
• "The noise from the construction site annoyed the neighbors."
• "She was annoyed by the constant interruptions during the meeting."

Etymology

The word "annoy" comes from Middle English "anoier," meaning "to trouble or disturb," derived from Old French "anoier" or "enoyer," which meant "to disturb" or "to vex." The root is believed to be from Vulgar Latin *inodiare*, meaning "to make hateful," based on Latin *odium* meaning "hatred."

Synonyms

• Irritate
• Vex
• Bother
• Exasperate
• Disturb
• Pester

Antonyms

• Calm
• Appease
• Soothe
• Comfort
• Relax

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "annoy" remains largely consistent across English dialects, though regional accents may influence the tone. In some British and American English dialects, the stress on syllables may differ slightly. Non-native speakers may also vary in their pronunciation due to local language influences.

Historical Usage

The word "annoy" has been in use in the English language since the early 14th century, originating from the Old French "anoier" and Latin "annuntiare." Over time, its usage has expanded to include a variety of situations involving irritation, from personal interactions to disturbances caused by external factors like noise or delay. Historically, it was often used in formal or legal contexts, but its meaning has broadened in modern English.

Cultural Nuances

Culturally, the word "annoy" can carry different connotations depending on the context. In some cultures, expressing annoyance is seen as impolite or a sign of weakness, while in others, it may be more openly displayed. The level of annoyance also varies; what may be a minor irritation in one culture could be perceived as a major issue in another. In professional settings, "annoying" behavior is generally frowned upon, but in personal or casual environments, it may be tolerated or even humorously acknowledged.

More Information

The act of annoying someone typically involves causing minor disruptions, irritations, or inconveniences that may not be serious but are frequent enough to cause discomfort. Annoyance often arises from repetitive behaviors, loud noises, or delays. Psychological studies suggest that when people experience annoyance, they are usually reacting to something that disrupts their expectations or peace of mind. While it is generally seen as a negative feeling, annoyance can also motivate people to address underlying problems or irritants in their environment.