adj
bossy
BO-see
adj
1
Fond of giving orders to others, often more than is welcome or necessary.
"Her bossy older brother always decided what game they would play."
"He came across as bossy in meetings, even when he meant well."
How to Use Bossy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who likes telling other people what to do, usually seen as an unattractive trait.
Common mistake
"Bossy" is almost always negative or critical — it is rarely used as a compliment, unlike "assertive" or "authoritative."
Easily confused with
Word Forms
bossier comparative, more bossy comparative, bossies plural, bossiest superlative, most bossy superlative
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Her _____ older brother always decided what game they would play.
Etymology
Formed from "boss" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y."