meddling
meddling
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "meddling" is:
ˈmɛdəliŋ
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
med (ˈmɛdə)
/ˈ/: stress marker indicating primary stress on the first syllable
/m/: voiced bilabial consonant (m sound)
/ɛ/: near-low front unrounded vowel (e in "met")
/d/: voiced alveolar plosive consonant (d sound)
ling (liŋ)
/l/: voiced alveolar lateral approximant consonant (l sound)
/ɪ/: near-high central unrounded vowel (i in "bit")
/ŋ/: voiced velar nasal consonant (ng sound)
Word Form Variations
"Meddling" itself functions as both a singular and plural noun. It describes the act of someone interfering in something that's not their concern.
However, there are related word forms that can be used depending on the context:
Verb: Meddle (to interfere) - "He meddled in their argument."
Past Tense: Meddled ("They meddled with the settings.")
Past Participle: Meddled ("The situation was further complicated by their meddled efforts.")
Present Participle: Meddling ("The constant meddling was driving everyone crazy.")
Noun (related): Meddler (someone who interferes) - "She was known as a notorious meddler."
Adjective (related): Meddlesome (characterized by unwanted interference) - "Her meddlesome behavior made it difficult to get anything done."
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: The act of interfering in something that is not your concern, especially in a way that is unwanted or annoying.
Synonyms: interference, intrusion, intervention (unwanted), prying, tampering
Antonyms: non-interference, respect for boundaries, minding one's own business
Verb:
Definition: To involve oneself in something that is not your concern, especially in a way that is unwanted or annoying.
Synonyms: interfere (unwanted), intrude, tamper, pry, dabble (inappropriately)
Antonyms: abstain, leave alone, respect boundaries, mind one's own business
Adjective (Meddlesome):
Definition: Characterized by unwanted interference or a tendency to involve oneself in other people's business.
Synonyms: intrusive, interfering, prying, officious, busybody
Antonyms: respectful, uninvolved, discreet, hands-off
** (Note:** Meddling cannot be used as an adverb.)
Examples of Use
Books:
In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Mrs. Bennet's constant meddling in her daughters' love lives is a source of amusement and frustration for both the characters and the reader (Austen, 1813).
Newspapers:
A headline might read: "Local Politicians Accused of Meddling in Upcoming School Board Election" ( hypothetical news source).
Online Publications:
A social media post might say: "Stop meddling in my comments section! If you don't like my opinion, just scroll on" (hypothetical social media post).
Entertainment Mediums:
In the movie "The Godfather," Vito Corleone warns others against meddling in the affairs of the mafia families ( Coppola, 1972).
Public Discourse:
During a political debate, a candidate might accuse their opponent of meddling in foreign affairs (hypothetical political debate).
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Meddling
While there aren't many direct uses of "meddling" in particularly famous quotes, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of the concept:
"The only good fence is a good neighbor." - Robert Frost (proverbial advice about respecting boundaries)
"Mind your own business." - Various origins (straightforward advice against unwanted interference)
"Curiosity killed the cat." - Proverb (warns against excessive prying)
"Where angels fear to tread." - Alexander Pope (warns against interfering in delicate situations)
"Leave well enough alone." - Proverb (advises against meddling when things are going well)
"A busybody is a person who always knows what everybody else is doing, but never knows what to do with all the information they collect." - E.W. Howe (describes the annoying nature of meddlers)
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton (highlights the potential harm of someone interfering beyond their rightful authority)
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." - Proverb (warns that even well-meaning meddling can have negative consequences)
"Let sleeping dogs lie." - Geoffrey Chaucer (advises against stirring up trouble)
"Don't poke the bear." - Modern Proverb (warns against provoking someone or a situation)
Etymology
The word "meddling" comes from a much older word that means "to mix." Imagine stirring a bowl of ingredients – that's kind of like what meddling is all about, but instead of mixing food, you're mixing yourself into other people's business!
The first time we see "meddling" used in writing was way back in the Middle Ages, around the 14th century. Back then, it probably meant something similar to how we use it today – getting involved in something that's not your concern. But maybe instead of someone gossiping about your love life, it was someone interfering in a religious debate!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Meddling
Here's a list of phrases and idioms that use "meddling" or related words:
Meddle in someone's affairs/business: This is the most common and direct way to express unwanted interference.
Stick your nose in where it doesn't belong: A more informal way to say someone is meddling.
Have your fingers in too many pies: This idiom suggests someone is involved in too many things and might be meddling in something they shouldn't.
Stir the pot: This refers to intentionally causing trouble or conflict, often by meddling.
Can't leave well enough alone: This describes someone who feels compelled to interfere even if things are going smoothly.
Meddlesome matron/busybody: These terms refer to someone who is known for unwanted curiosity and interference in others' lives.
Those meddling kids! (Scooby-Doo): A playful phrase used to describe someone who keeps getting in the way of someone else's plans.
Posts Related to Meddling
Source Information
Definition of meddling from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
