What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peeve
Example
It really peeves me when people don't clean up after themselves. [peeves: verb]
Example
One of my biggest peeves is when people talk during movies. [peeve: noun]
vex
Example
The technical difficulties were starting to vex the presenter. [vex: verb]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site was beginning to vex the residents. [vexing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peeve is more commonly used than vex in everyday language. Peeve is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vex is less common and may be considered more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peeve and vex?
Peeve is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, while vex may be considered more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.