meddlesome

Med dlesome is an adjective used to describe a person who tends to interfere in other people’s affairs or insert themselves into matters that do not concern them. The term conveys a negative judgment, implying curiosity or impertinence more than curiosity pursued for benevolent help.

Etymology and form: meddlesome is formed from the verb meddle, meaning to interfere, plus the suffix -some, which in English is used to indicate a tendency or characteristic. The noun form meddler and the verbal form meddling share the same root, and meddlesome is the most common adjective derived from meddle.

Usage and nuance: Meddlesome behavior is generally viewed unfavorably, whether described in everyday speech, journalism, or literature. The word is often applied to someone who intrudes into private matters, gives unsolicited advice, or tries to manage others’ affairs. It can appear in moralizing or cautionary contexts, as well as in lighthearted or humorous descriptions of intrusive neighbors, relatives, or coworkers. While typically pejorative, it can be used more mildly in certain contexts to describe a habit rather than a deliberate wrongdoing.

Variants and related terms: Related forms include meddler (a person who meddles) and meddling (the act or action of meddling). Synonyms include nosy, prying, intrusive, or officious; antonyms include discreet, unobtrusive, and hands-off. Usage often depends on tone and context, with meddlesome generally signaling disapproval.