WordGarden.ionosy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈəʊzi/
US
- /ˈnoʊzi/
Meanings
Adjective
too interested in other people's private matters
Beyond the definition
Imagine your neighbor peering over the fence, asking exactly what you're planting in your garden, or trying to listen in on your phone calls. That person is being nosy! It means overly curious about other people's private affairs – often in a way that's considered rude or annoying.
A nosy person isn't just generally interested in others; they actively seek out information that doesn't concern them. While curiosity can be good, being nosy crosses the line into unwanted intrusion. You might say, "Don't be so nosy!" if someone is asking too many personal questions. It's a bit like an unwelcome detective, always sniffing around for details.
"Nosy" describes someone who is excessively curious about the private lives of others. It goes beyond simple interest and implies an intrusive or prying nature – a tendency to ask questions or investigate things that are none of their business.
The word often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of respect for boundaries and privacy. A nosy neighbor might gossip about everyone on the street, while a nosy coworker might try to overhear confidential conversations. It's not just knowing things; it's actively trying to find out things you weren't meant to know.
While sometimes used playfully – "Oh, she's just a little nosy!" – it can also be quite critical. Someone described as nosy is often seen as meddling or interfering. You might say, "I don't like talking about my personal life with her; she's too nosy."
The word comes from "nose" – suggesting someone who sticks their nose where it doesn't belong. So next time you feel someone is overly interested in your affairs, remember that they might just be a little… nosy!
Examples
- 1
Family
My little brother is nosy and always asks what I’m doing.
- 2
New neighbor
The new neighbor seemed friendly, but a little too nosy.
- 3
Digital privacy
Please stop reading my messages. You’re being nosy.
- 4
Polite question
I don’t mean to be nosy, but are you two still together?
- PhraseI don’t mean to be nosy, but ...
a polite way to ask a personal question
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Media attention
Reporters got nosy about the actor’s private life after the interview.
- 6
Salary questions
She gave him a look when he started asking nosy questions about her salary.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nosyadjective
Forms
- nosiercomparativeadjective
- nosiestsuperlativeadjective