tease
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /tiːz/
KK: /tiz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make fun of someone in a playful or annoying way.
Example
They like to tease each other about their favorite movies.
Tense Forms
Past: teased
Past Participle: teased
Conversation
Why do you always tease me about my cooking skills?
Because it's so much fun to watch you get all flustered!
Well, I wish you would stop, it makes me nervous.
Okay, I'll try to be nicer, but it’s hard not to tease you sometimes!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
taunt
mock
ridicule
Antonyms
comfort
console
soothe
noun
Definition
A person or thing that playfully mocks or provokes someone, often in a light-hearted way.
Example
She was known as a tease, always making playful jokes at her friends' expense.
Conversation
Did you hear the tease Sarah made about Tom's new haircut?
Yeah, I laughed so hard at that!
I know, right? It's all in good fun, but it was a pretty sharp tease.
transitive verb
Definition
To make fun of someone in a playful way or to annoy someone by provoking them.
Example
She likes to tease her brother about his silly dance moves.
Tense Forms
Past: teased
Past Participle: teased
Conversation
Why do you always tease me about my cooking skills?
Because it's just so fun to watch you try new recipes!
Well, I might surprise you one day and make something amazing.
Root Explanation
Tease originates from Middle English 'tesen', which is derived from Old English 'tǣsan', meaning to pluck or pull. The word has evolved to describe the act of provoking or making fun of someone playfully.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'pulling' or 'plucking' at another's feelings in a playful way — that's how teasing works.
Visually Confused Words
ease
these
texas
teste
terse
teras
tense
temse