Vex
/vɛks/
verbB2
Definition
Vex means to make someone feel annoyed or worried. It usually happens when something bothers a person again and again or causes small troubles. It is stronger than just being a little upset but not as serious as being very angry.
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See It in Action
To annoy or irritate someone
- •The noisy neighbors vexed me all night.
- •His constant complaining vexed everyone in the office.
- •The delay in the train vexed the passengers.
To worry or cause trouble in the mind
- •The difficult decision vexed her for days.
- •He was vexed by the thought of losing his job.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "vex" like "annoy," but a bit stronger and more serious—like a small problem that keeps coming back
- ✓Picture a small fly buzzing around your face that you cannot catch—it makes you feel uncomfortable and irritated
- ✓It's the feeling when someone keeps asking the same question, and you start to feel bothered or worried
- ✓Sounds like "vex" → imagine a "vexing" box that keeps opening and closing, causing trouble inside your mind
- ✓Remember the story of the Sphinx in mythology who asked hard questions that troubled people—that is a kind of vexing problem
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (no feeling), "vex" causes active annoyance or worry
- ✓NOT like "anger" (strong feeling), "vex" is more about irritation or worry, not full anger
Try Other Words
- •Annoy: to make someone slightly angry or bothered (Use when the problem is smaller or less serious)
- •Irritate: to cause discomfort or slight anger (Use when something causes physical or mental discomfort)
- •Bother: to cause trouble or worry (Use when something causes mild trouble or concern)
- •Disturb: to interrupt or upset (Use when something breaks peace or calm)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word "vex"
- •Etymology: From Latin "vexare," meaning to shake, disturb, or trouble
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 14th century meaning to trouble or annoy
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or literary language to describe annoyance or worry
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in your daily life vex you the most, and why?
•How can understanding the word "vex" help you describe feelings that are stronger than annoyance but less than anger?
Fill in the blanks
1.The loud music from the party began to vex the neighbors because it ___ their sleep and peace.
2.She was vexed by the ___ question that had no clear answer.
3.Unlike simple anger, to vex someone means to cause ___ or worry over time.
4.When he keeps repeating the same mistake, it really ___ me.
5.The problem that vexed the team was difficult to ___ quickly.
6.People often say "Don't vex me" to ask others to stop ___ them.
7.The constant delays and errors vexed the manager, making her feel ___ about the project's future.