pry
Pry (verb) means to inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way. Example: “I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay at home?”
How to Use Pry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo nosily ask about someone's private business, or to lever something open by force.
Word Forms
pried past tense, pried past tense, pries plural, pries plural, Prys plural, pries singular, pries singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
I don't mean to _____, but is everything okay at home?
Etymology
From Middle English prien, "to peer closely," of uncertain further origin.
Related Words
Rhymes for pry
See all rhymes for pry →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “pry” mean?
The word “pry” means to inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way. In plain terms, to nosily ask about someone's private business, or to lever something open by force.
How do you pronounce “pry”?
“Pry” is pronounced preye (/pɹaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pry” in a sentence?
Here is “pry” used in a sentence: “I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay at home?”
What part of speech is “pry”?
Depending on how it is used, “pry” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pry” come from?
The word “pry” comes from Middle English. From Middle English prien, "to peer closely," of uncertain further origin.
How many meanings does “pry” have?
“Pry” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way.