prying

[US]/'praɪɪŋ/
[UK]/ˈpraɪɪŋ/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. nosy; snooping
v. snooping (present participle of pry)

Phrases & Collocations

prying eyes

prying questions

Example Sentences

prying open the door.

she was prying into that which did not concern her.

always prying into the affairs of others.

ignored the prying journalists' questions.

She is always prying into other people's affairs.

he was branded a prying sneak for eavesdropping on intimate conversation.

"You should stop prying; you know, it's unlawful to read other people's letters!"

Real-world Examples

You're not prying.Why would you think you're prying? No reason.

Source: Gossip Girl Selected

I was instantly saddened and infuriated. Who had given them the right? They'd clearly been prying, together or separately.

Source: Call Me by Your Name

Yes, everyone has something they want to keep hidden from prying eyes...

Source: Desperate Housewives Season 5

I'm sorry I was rude but you deserved it for prying.

Source: Gone with the Wind

However, prying is a form of curiosity but not in a good way.

Source: VOA Vocabulary Explanation

They may berate you with prying questions until you spill all your secrets.

Source: Science in Life

Secure your data from prying eyes by signing up for a free account today.

Source: Realm of Legends

Prying is what people too old to have sex do to keep life interesting.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 5

Hopefully, you will be able to read this away from prying eyes and avoid awkward questions.

Source: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The trade pact was supposed to change that by prying open Korean markets to American exports.

Source: NPR News September 2017 Collection

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