definition of busybody , meaning, synonym, antonym, use example and related words to busybody

BUSYBODY

Definition of BUSYBODY

BUSYBODY Noun, Verb and Adjective

Busybody primarily functions as a noun, describing someone who meddles in the affairs of others, often out of curiosity or nosiness. It conveys the idea of an intrusive or overly inquisitive person who inserts themselves into situations where they are not welcome or needed.

BUSYBODY as a noun

Noun – Meddler: As a noun, busybody refers to an individual who habitually interferes in the personal or private matters of others without invitation or justification. They may pry into other people’s affairs, offer unsolicited advice, or involve themselves in situations where their presence is unwelcome.

Noun – Intrusiveness: Busybody also implies a sense of intrusiveness or nosiness, suggesting a lack of respect for boundaries or privacy. It conveys the idea of someone who disregards social cues or norms and inserts themselves into situations where they do not belong.

BUSYBODY as a verb

Verb – Meddling: Although less common, busybody can also function as a verb, describing the action of interfering in the affairs of others unnecessarily or without permission. It reflects the behavior of someone who intrudes into matters that do not concern them, often with the intention of exerting control or influence.

BUSYBODY as an adjective

Adjective – Meddlesome: As an adjective, busybody describes someone or their behavior as intrusive, meddlesome, or overly curious about the affairs of others. It suggests a tendency to pry into private matters or involve oneself in situations where one is not wanted or needed.

In conclusion, busybody encompasses various forms across different contexts, primarily as a noun describing someone who meddles in the affairs of others. Whether denoting intrusive behavior, nosiness, or a tendency to interfere without invitation, busybody carries a negative connotation, reflecting a lack of respect for boundaries and privacy. It serves as a cautionary term, reminding us to respect the autonomy and privacy of others and refrain from meddling in matters that do not concern us.

Examples of BUSYBODY in a sentence

BUSYBODY as a noun in a sentence

  • The neighborhood busybody was always the first to know everyone’s business.
  • She was labeled the office busybody for constantly gossiping about her coworkers.
  • The busybody couldn’t resist poking her nose into every conversation.
  • Despite her good intentions, she was often seen as a meddling busybody.
  • The town had its fair share of busybodies, always eager to stir up trouble.
  • She avoided the neighborhood busybody at all costs to prevent her from spreading rumors.
  • The office busybody thrived on drama and gossip.
  • The busybody aunt couldn’t resist giving unwanted advice to her relatives.

BUSYBODY as a verb in a sentence

  • She couldn’t help but busybody herself in her friends’ romantic lives.
  • The neighbor couldn’t resist busybodying about the new family that moved in next door.
  • He decided to stop busybodying and focus on his own affairs.
  • She was caught busybodying at the office, spreading rumors about her coworkers.
  • Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t help but busybody about the gossip she heard.
  • The nosy aunt couldn’t resist busybodying about her nephew’s new girlfriend.
  • She regretted busybodying about her friend’s personal problems.
  • The coworker was caught busybodying in the boss’s office, eavesdropping on a private conversation.

BUSYBODY as an adjective in a sentence

  • She was known for her busybody nature, always meddling in other people’s affairs.
  • His busybody tendencies often led to unwanted gossip and drama.
  • The busybody neighbor couldn’t resist peeking through her curtains at the slightest noise.
  • The busybody aunt had an opinion on everyone and everything.
  • Despite her busybody reputation, she genuinely cared about her friends’ well-being.
  • The busybody coworker couldn’t resist inserting herself into office politics.
  • Her busybody behavior often irritated those around her.
  • The busybody relative always had unsolicited advice to offer.

Origin of BUSYBODY 

The term “busybody” has an interesting etymology. It is a compound word formed by combining “busy” and “body.”

  • The word “busy” comes from the Old English word “bisig,” which means “occupied” or “diligent.”
  • The word “body” in this context refers to a person.
  • The usage of “busybody” to describe someone who is overly concerned with the affairs of others dates back to the late 16th century.

The compound term implies a person who busies themselves excessively with matters that may not be their own, often in an intrusive or meddlesome manner. Over time, the term has retained its negative connotation, describing someone who interferes or meddles in the private affairs of others.

Synonyms

  • Meddler
  • Nosy Parker
  • Interferer
  • Pryer
  • Interloper
  • Intruder
  • Snoop
  • Buttinsky
  • Curiosity
  • Intermeddler

Antonyms

  • Respecter
  • Nonintrusive
  • Discreet
  • Unobtrusive
  • Private
  • Reserved
  • Considerate
  • Noninterfering
  • Respectful

Related

  • Gossiper
  • Tattletale
  • Telltale
  • Nosey
  • Interferer
  • Curiosity
  • Inquisitor
  • Meddlesome
  • Eavesdropper

🌐 🇬🇧 BUSYBODY in other languages

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