pry

CEFRC1

/pɹaɪ/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To try to discover private information by asking questions.

  2. 02

    verb

    To force something open using a tool or effort.

Examples

  • Don't pry into the affairs of others.

  • Tom tried to pry open the box with a crowbar.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To inquire into something that does not concern one; to be nosy; to snoop.

  2. To peer at (something) closely; also, to look into (a matter, etc.) thoroughly.

  3. To peer closely and curiously, especially at something closed or not public.

More examples

In context

  • Don't pry into my private life.

  • I don't mean to pry, but could you tell me where you got that scarf?

  • to pry into someone's affairs

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

She tried to blank the locked metal box with a crowbar but failed.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

The verb is inherited from Middle English prien, pryen (“to look closely, peer into, pry, spy”) [and other forms], from Old English *prīwan, *prēowian (“to look narrowly, to squint at”), attested by Old English beprīwan, beprēwan (“to wink”); further etymology unknown, but probably akin to Old English *prēowot (“closing of the eyes”), attested only in combination – compare prēowthwīl (“blink or twinkling of an eye, moment”), princ (“a wink”): see prink. The noun is derived from the verb.