pestering
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpɛstərɪŋ/
KK: /ˈpɛstərɪŋ/
noun
Definition
An act of bothering or annoying someone repeatedly.
Example
His constant pestering made it hard for her to concentrate on her work.
Conversation
I feel like my little brother is always pestering me for my toys.
That's so annoying! Can't he just play with his own stuff?
Exactly! It's like he doesn't get tired of pestering me every single day.
Maybe you should talk to him about it and set some boundaries.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
harassment
bothering
nuisance
Antonyms
comfort
relief
assistance
verb
Definition
To annoy or bother someone repeatedly or persistently.
Example
The child kept pestering his parents for a new toy.
Tense Forms
Past: pestered
Past Participle: pestered
Conversation
I feel like my little brother is always pestering me for my video games.
Yeah, siblings can be really annoying sometimes!
I just want some peace and quiet, you know?
Root Explanation
Pestering → It originates from the verb 'pester' (from Middle English *pesteren*, meaning to annoy or trouble), which is derived from the earlier form 'pest' (from Old French *peste*, meaning plague or annoyance). The suffix '-ing' indicates the action of the verb. Thus, 'pestering' refers to the action of annoying or troubling someone persistently.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'pest' as something that annoys or troubles you, and remember that 'pestering' means the action of being annoying.
Visually Confused Words
westering
esterling
poetastering
tapestring
plastering
perstringe
easterling
sterling