verb
pry
preye
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?”
verb
1
To inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way.
"I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay at home?"
"She hated the way her coworkers pried into her personal life."
2
To force something open or lever it apart using a tool.
"He used a screwdriver to pry the lid off the paint can."
noun
1
A tool used for levering something open, such as a crowbar.
"He grabbed a pry bar from the toolbox to open the crate."
How to use pry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo nosily ask about someone's private business, or to lever something open by force.
Common pairings
pry into
pry open
pry bar
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Word forms
- Plural
- pries
- Third person singular
- pries
- Past tense
- pried
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.
