What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nosy
Example
Stop being so nosy and mind your own business. [nosy: adjective]
Example
She's always poking her nose into other people's affairs. [poking: verb + nose: noun]
intrusive
Example
I find it very intrusive when people ask me personal questions. [intrusive: adjective]
Example
The constant phone calls from telemarketers can be very intrusive. [intrusive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nosy is more commonly used than intrusive in everyday language. Nosy is a colloquial term that is often used in informal contexts, while intrusive is more formal and may be used in legal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nosy and intrusive?
While nosy is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, intrusive is more formal and may be used in legal or professional contexts.