annoying

annoying

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Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling:

• /əˈnɔɪɪŋ/ (General American, Received Pronunciation)

• a - /ə/ (schwa, unstressed, as in "about")

• nnoy - /nɔɪ/ (as in "boy" or "toy")

• ing - /ɪŋ/ (as in "sing" or "ring")

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Word Form Variations

Annoying" primarily functions as an adjective (present participle of "annoy") and as the present participle form of the verb "annoy."

• Adjective:

• Base form: annoying

• Comparative: more annoying

• Superlative: most annoying

• Verb (Present Participle of "annoy"):

• Base form: annoy

• Third person singular present: annoys

• Present participle: annoying

• Past tense: annoyed

• Past participle: annoyed

• Noun: (less common as a direct noun, usually takes the form "annoyance")

• Gerund: annoying (e.g., "The constant annoying of the children wore her out.")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

1. Causing irritation, displeasure, or slight anger; bothersome or vexing. (Describing something that makes one feel annoyed)

• Synonyms: irritating, bothersome, vexing, irksome, exasperating, troublesome, tiresome, aggravating

• Antonyms: pleasant, pleasing, delightful, charming, soothing, calming, agreeable, comforting

2. Characterized by actions or qualities that are a source of irritation.

• Synonyms: irritating, bothersome, irritating, tiresome, pestering

• Antonyms: pleasant, helpful, agreeable

Verb (Present Participle of "annoy")

1. Currently causing irritation, displeasure, or slight anger to someone; in the process of bothering or vexing.

• Example: "His constant humming is annoying me."

• Synonyms: irritating, bothering, vexing, pestering, irking, exasperating, provoking

• Antonyms: pleasing, delighting, gratifying, soothing, calming, appeasing, comforting

2. Currently disturbing or troubling (something) with repeated intrusions or actions.

• Example: "The flies are annoying the horses in the field."

• Synonyms: disturbing, troubling, harassing, plaguing, tormenting, agitating

• Antonyms: leaving alone, comforting, easing, relaxing

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "The most annoying thing about life is that we're always missing something." (Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore, 2002)

• Newspapers:

• "Commuters are calling the ongoing road construction an 'annoying but necessary' disruption, despite daily traffic jams." (The Standard)

• Online Publications:

• "Our guide to blocking those annoying pop-up ads that disrupt your Browse experience." (TechCrunch)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "That high-pitched ringing sound is really annoying; can we turn it off?" (Dialogue from a horror film, A Quiet Place, 2018)

• "Today, we're ranking the most annoying video game glitches that can ruin your gameplay." (YouTube gaming channel, "Game Rants," April 2025)

• "The character's constant complaining quickly became incredibly annoying to viewers." (Audience review on a streaming service)

• General Public Discourse:

• "My neighbor's dog barks all night; it's so annoying."

• "It's really annoying when my phone battery dies in the middle of the day."

• "That constant tapping sound is quite annoying."

• "Stop annoying your brother!"

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10 Quotes Using Annoying

1. "The most annoying thing about life is that we're always missing something." (Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore, 2002)

2. "That high-pitched ringing sound is really annoying; can we turn it off?" (Common dialogue trope in horror films, e.g., A Quiet Place, emphasizing sound)

3. "Being humble is important, but being humble to the point of being annoying is pointless." (A widely circulated motivational sentiment, often unattributed)

4. "His persistent optimism, while well-intentioned, could be incredibly annoying at times." (A common descriptive phrase in literature and character analysis)

5. "Nothing is more annoying than slow internet when you're in a hurry." (A widely relatable modern grievance)

6. "The character's constant complaining, initially part of their charm, soon became genuinely annoying." (A common observation about characters in TV shows or books)

7. "Please stop that constant tapping; it's genuinely annoying to everyone." (A common conversational request)

8. "Small minds are easily annoying to anyone with broader perspectives." (A general philosophical observation, frequently expressed)

9. "The sound of a leaky faucet can be surprisingly annoying in the dead of night." (A common descriptive scenario used to illustrate minor irritations)

10. "To be annoying is often to be consistently present in an unwelcome manner." (Original quote, providing a concise explanation)

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Etymology

The word "annoying" describes something that causes irritation, and its history comes directly from the feeling of "annoy."

It's formed by adding the suffix "-ing" to the verb "annoy." The "-ing" suffix here turns the verb into a present participle, which can then act as an adjective (describing something that is causing annoyance) or show an ongoing action.

So, to understand "annoying," we need to trace "annoy":

"Annoy" comes from the Old French verb "anoier" or "enuier," which had meanings like "to trouble," "to harm," "to vex," or "to weary." This Old French term itself came from the Latin phrase "in odio," meaning "in hatred" or "to be an object of hatred."

So, the original idea was closer to being a nuisance or causing distress, something that might even provoke hatred, rather than just a mild irritation.

The verb "annoy" entered English in the late 13th or early 14th century. Once the verb was established, the present participle "annoying" would have naturally followed soon after.

Therefore, the first known use of "annoying" in English (as the present participle of "annoy") would have been in the Middle English period (around the 14th century). Its original meaning was consistent with "troubling," "vexing," or "causing displeasure," evolving from "harming" to "irritating" over time.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Annoying

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "annoying":

• Most annoying thing (used to describe something that causes the most irritation)

• Highly annoying (extremely irritating)

• Beyond annoying (so irritating that it's difficult to tolerate)

• Annoying habit (a repetitive behavior that causes irritation)

• Constantly annoying (causing irritation without cease)

• Galling and irritating (using synonyms for similar effect, emphasizing frustration)

• Vexing and tiresome (using synonyms, highlighting weariness caused by irritation)

• An annoying fly (a common metaphor for a persistent minor irritant)

• The annoying truth (a truth that is unwelcome or irritating to hear)

• Annoyingly persistent (describing someone or something that bothers you by being relentless)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of annoying from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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