VocabDictionary

nosiness

/ˈnoʊ.zi.nəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The quality of being excessively curious or prying into the private affairs of others.

Example Sentences:
  • I couldn't stand my aunt's constant nosiness regarding my dating life.
  • Driven by pure nosiness, he peeked over the fence to see what the neighbors were building.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “nosiness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'nosy' (or 'nosey'), which stems from the noun 'nose'. The suffix '-ness' is added to form a noun indicating a state or quality. The metaphorical use of 'nose' to imply prying or meddling emerged in the early 17th century, evoking the image of someone physically inserting their nose into another person's private matters.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a person with a giant nose poking it through a neighbor's window to see what's for dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions About “nosiness

1. What is the meaning of “nosiness” in English?

In English, nosiness (noun) is defined as: “The quality of being excessively curious or prying into the private affairs of others.”.

2. How do you use “nosiness” in a sentence?

I couldn't stand my aunt's constant nosiness regarding my dating life.

3. What are English synonyms of “nosiness”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “nosiness”?

Derived from the adjective 'nosy' (or 'nosey'), which stems from the noun 'nose'. The suffix '-ness' is added to form a noun indicating a state or quality. The metaphorical use of 'nose' to imply prying or meddling emerged in the early 17th century, evoking the image of someone physically inserting their nose into another person's private matters.