What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meddling
Example
I wish my neighbor would stop meddling in my personal life. [meddling: verb]
Example
Her meddling caused more harm than good. [meddling: noun]
nosy
Example
My coworker is always asking nosy questions about my personal life. [nosy: adjective]
Example
She was being nosy and eavesdropping on our conversation. [nosy: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nosy is more commonly used than meddling in everyday language. Nosy is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while meddling is more specific and often used in situations where someone is trying to exert control over others.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meddling and nosy?
Both meddling and nosy are informal words that are typically used in casual conversations. However, meddling can also be used in more formal contexts, such as legal or political discussions, where the word carries a more serious connotation.
