annoys - Master This Word
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annoys Word Meanings
- to irritate or bother someone
- to cause slight anger
- to disturb or trouble someone
annoys Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
annoys Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈnɔɪ/
US
/əˈnɔɪ/
annoys Word Etymology
an- = 'to' + noy = 'vex' (from Old French); rooted in Latin 'inodiare', meaning to annoy. Picture someone poking you repeatedly, making you feel increasingly frustrated.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my weight and turn a bit, trying to find a little space in the crowded train. I push against the shoulder in front of me and pull back when the car sways, adjusting my stance to stay calm. A noisy buzz fills the car and a quick cough makes my teeth clench. I keep telling myself to stay steady, letting the small move of patience carry me through the moment.
Real Context
Annoy means to irritate or bother someone in a mild, persistent way. It describes behavior that wears on a person’s patience rather than a single sharp insult. In practice, you use annoy for repeated actions, like someone tapping a pen, or a loud roommate who keeps talking during your favorite show. It sits between bother and irritate in intensity, with annoyance often feeling tame but nagging. Native speakers typically pair it with a person or situation: 'It annoys me when he interrupts.' People sometimes confuse it with irritate (stronger or more physical discomfort) or with bother (often softer). Remember that the subject is affected by the action, not the action itself.
Usage Reminders
- - Use annoy for repeated, mild irritation; avoid overusing for strong anger.
- - Pair with a person or situation: It annoys me when...; It annoys my sister that...
- - Don’t confuse with irritate (stronger) or bother (more neutral).
- - Notice subject and intensity: a thing can annoy someone, but not annoy you.
- - Use the -ing form to describe ongoing annoyance: annoying behavior.
Common Misconceptions
- Annoy is always about anger, not just mild irritation.
- It only applies to people, not situations.
- Annoy and irritate are always interchangeable.
- Annoy refers to a one-time action.
- It cannot be used in past tense.
Thinking Differences
Think in English-linked intensity: English tends to mark mild, persistent irritation as annoy or bother, emphasizing behavior rather than emotion. Learners often map it to a general irritation, missing that annoy targets the behavior and its repetition.
Learning Tips
- 1) Distinguish annoy from irritate (less vs more intense).
- 2) Distinguish annoy from bother (repeat vs neutral).
- 3) Use with a clear subject: It annoys me when...
- 4) Notice collocations: annoying person, annoying habit.
- 5) Practice both present and past forms: annoys, annoyed.
- 6) Listen for tone to gauge strength.
Related Listening
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