What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
annoy
Example
The loud music from the party next door really annoys me. [annoy: verb]
Example
Stop tapping your pen on the desk, it's so annoying! [annoying: adjective]
vex
Example
Her constant interruptions during the meeting really vexed me. [vex: verb]
Example
I couldn't solve that math problem, it's quite vexing. [vexing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annoy is more commonly used than vex in everyday language. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while vex is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between annoy and vex?
While annoy is typically associated with an informal tone, vex can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a more versatile word that allows for usage in various levels of formality.
