bossy
BO-see
Bossy (adj) means Fond of giving orders to others, often more than is welcome or necessary. Example: “Her bossy older brother always decided what game they would play.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- bossies
- Comparative
- bossier, more bossy
- Superlative
- bossiest, most bossy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ older brother always decided what game they would play.
Etymology
Formed from "boss" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →
autocratic
coercive
controlling
despotic
dominant
domineering
harsh
forceful
heavy-handed
iron-fisted
iron-handed
monocratic
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for bossy
See all rhymes for bossy →Frequently asked questions
What does “bossy” mean?
The word “bossy” means fond of giving orders to others, often more than is welcome or necessary. In plain terms, someone who likes telling other people what to do, usually seen as an unattractive trait.
How do you pronounce “bossy”?
“Bossy” is pronounced BO-see (/ˈbɔsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “bossy” in a sentence?
Here is “bossy” used in a sentence: “Her bossy older brother always decided what game they would play.”
What is another word for “bossy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bossy” include autocratic, coercive, controlling, despotic, dominant and domineering.
What is the opposite of “bossy”?
The opposite of “bossy” — its antonyms — are humble, servile and sycophantic.
What part of speech is “bossy”?
“Bossy” is an adjective.
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