vex

[veks]

vex Definition

to make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.

Using vex: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vex" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The noise from the construction site vexed the neighbors.

  • Example

    Her constant complaining vexes me.

  • Example

    He was vexed by the delay in his flight.

  • Example

    The difficult puzzle vexed even the smartest students.

vex Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for vex

Idioms Using vex

  • vexed as a bear with a sore head

    extremely annoyed or irritable

    Example

    Don't talk to him right now, he's vexed as a bear with a sore head.

  • a controversial issue that is currently being debated or discussed

    Example

    The vexed question of the day is whether or not to reopen schools during the pandemic.

  • to be emotionally distressed or agitated

    Example

    She was vexed in spirit after the breakup with her boyfriend.

Phrases with vex

  • vex one's spirit

    to cause emotional distress or agitation

    Example

    The tragic news of her friend's death vexed her spirit for weeks.

  • a controversial issue that is difficult to resolve

    Example

    The debate over gun control is a vexed question in American politics.

  • a complex and difficult problem that is hard to solve

    Example

    The scientist spent years trying to solve the vexed problem of climate change.

Origins of vex

from Old French 'vexer', meaning 'to annoy'

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Summary: vex in Brief

The verb 'vex' [veks] means to annoy, frustrate, or worry someone, often with trivial matters. It can refer to anything from a noisy construction site to a difficult puzzle. The phrase 'vexed question' denotes a controversial issue that is hard to resolve, while 'vexed problem' refers to a complex and difficult problem. 'Vexed as a bear with a sore head' is an idiom used to describe extreme annoyance or irritability.

How do native speakers use this expression?