Annoy: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：irritate (annoy)

annoy 🔊

/əˈnɔɪ/

vt.

To make someone feel bothered or a little angry, like when something keeps happening that you don't like.

Annoy definition illustrated by a frustrated woman distracted by a phone's constant notifications.

irritate 🔊

➕

/ˈɪrɪteɪt/

vt.

To cause mild anger or bother, often through repeated, unwelcome actions.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin *in odio* (in hate), via Old French *anoier* (to weary, vex).

💡 Mnemonic

Annoy is like a noise that's bad for your ears (AN-NOY). It 'annoys' you.

📖 Example

My little brother loves to annoy me by repeating everything I say. 🔊 My little brother loves to irritate me by repeating everything I say.

🔗 Collocations

annoy someone greatly – to irritate someone a lot

easy to annoy – prone to getting irritated

annoyed by the noise – bothered or irritated by the sound

🔄 Synonyms

irritate (vt.) – To provoke impatience or anger, often similar to annoy but can imply a stronger reaction.

bother (vt.) – To cause mild trouble or worry, slightly less intense than annoy.

pester (vt.) – To annoy persistently, often with repeated requests.

🚫 Antonyms

please (vt.) – To give satisfaction or enjoyment.

soothe (vt.) – To calm or relieve irritation.

gratify (vt.) – To give pleasure or satisfaction.

🌱 Derivatives

annoyance (n.) – The feeling of being annoyed; a source of irritation.

annoyed (adj.) – Feeling or showing irritation.

annoying (adj.) – Causing annoyance; irritating.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from Latin 'in odio', meaning 'hateful'. It entered English via Old French 'anoier'. This etymological path highlights its connection to causing dislike or weariness, a meaning that has persisted in modern usage for describing irritating behavior.