Definition

To look or ask about something in a way that shows too much curiosity or interest in other people's business.

Example

She was always prying into her neighbors' personal lives.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I noticed you were prying into my phone earlier.

Oh, I was just curious about what you were doing.

Curious or not, it felt a bit intrusive to me.

I get that — I should have respected your privacy more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person who asks too many questions or tries to find out things that are not their business.

Example

She was known as a pry, always wanting to know everyone else's secrets.

Conversation

Have you met that new neighbor?

Yeah, they seem a bit of a pry always asking personal questions.

I noticed that too; it feels like they're trying to dig into everyone's business.

Definition

To force something open or to get information from someone with difficulty.

Example

She tried to pry the lid off the box but it was stuck.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I tried to pry open that old box in the attic yesterday.

Did you find anything interesting inside?

Not really, it was stuck pretty tight, so I couldn't pry it open completely.

Root Explanation

The word 'pry' originates from the Old English 'prygan', meaning to peep or to look closely. It conveys the idea of looking into something closely or inquisitively.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'peeping' or looking closely at something — that's why 'pry' means to look into something closely.

Visually Confused Words