bothersome

/'bɔðəsəm/

Thân thiện

The constant buzzing of a bothersome mosquito kept her awake.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Causing irritation or annoyance: Describes something that provokes mild to moderate discomfort, displeasure, or disturbance, often through persistent or repetitive action.

Usage and Examples

• General Use: Used to describe situations, things, or occasionally people that are troublesome or a nuisance.
  • The constant noise from the construction site was bothersome.
  • She found his bothersome questions distracting during the meeting.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Degree of Annoyance: Typically implies a persistent, nagging, or petty irritation rather than intense anger or rage.
  • The bothersome fly kept buzzing around my head.
• Formality: Considered standard English, acceptable in both spoken and written contexts, though slightly more formal than synonyms like "annoying."

Variants and Related Words

• Bother (verb/noun): To cause mild trouble or worry; a state of worry or fuss.
  • Don't bother the cat while it's sleeping.
• Botheringly (adverb, rare): In an irritating manner.

Synonyms

• Annoying: Causing irritation or bother.
• Irritating: Causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.
• Troublesome: Causing difficulty or inconvenience.
• Pesky (informal): Annoying.
• Vexing: Causing annoyance, frustration, or worry.

Antonyms

• Pleasant: Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.
• Agreeable: Enjoyable and pleasurable; pleasant.
• Soothing: Having a calming, comforting, or relieving effect.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• No direct idioms use "bothersome" as a key component. The concept is more commonly expressed with the verb "bother" in phrases like:
  • Can't be bothered: To not want to spend the time or energy needed to do something.

    • I can't be bothered to cook tonight.
  • Hot and bothered: In a state of agitated excitement, flustered, or angry.

    • There's no need to get all hot and bothered about a small mistake.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. causing irritation or annoyance
   • tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork
   • aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport
   • found it galling to have to ask permission
   • an irritating delay
   • nettlesome paperwork
   • a pesky mosquito
   • swarms of pestering gnats
   • a plaguey newfangled safety catch
   • a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him
   • a vexatious child
   • it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong