What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meddlesome
Example
She's always been meddlesome, sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. [meddlesome: adjective]
Example
He meddled in their relationship, causing more harm than good. [meddled: past tense verb]
nosy
Example
Stop being so nosy and mind your own business. [nosy: adjective]
Example
She's always nosing around, trying to find out everyone's secrets. [nosing: present participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nosy is more commonly used than meddlesome in everyday language. Nosy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while meddlesome is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meddlesome and nosy?
Both meddlesome and nosy are informal words and are not appropriate for formal situations.
