What is vexing? Pronunciation and usage in English

vexing means . Learn how to pronounce and use vexing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vexing

vexingadjective

/ˈveksɪŋ//ˈveksɪŋ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vexing." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown with audio references:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • vɛksɪŋ (pronounced like "vex-ing")

    • vɛks: This part sounds like "vex" as in "vexed" (meaning annoyed). Your lips should be slightly rounded.
    • ɪŋ: This is a short, quick "ing" sound, like in "sing" or "ring."

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈvɛksɪŋ (pronounced like "vex-ing," but with a slightly more emphasized first syllable and a more distinct "i" sound.)

    • The stress is more strongly on the first syllable than in American English.
    • The ‘i’ in ‘ing’ might be a bit more clipped.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • v: As in "van"
  • e: As in "bed"
  • x: This is a tricky one! It’s often described as a voiceless velar fricative. It’s similar to the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch" or the German word "Bach". It's a breathy "h" sound that’s produced in the back of your throat. (It's hard to describe perfectly in text, but listening to a recording really helps!)
  • i: As in "machine"
  • ŋ: This is the “ng” sound, as in “sing” or “long.”

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Tips:

  • Focus on the "vex" part: That's the key. Getting that sound right is the biggest challenge.
  • Don't overemphasize the ‘ing’: It’s a soft, quick “ing.”
  • Listen to recordings: The best way to learn is by hearing it spoken correctly.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which dialect of English are you most interested in (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word vexing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vexing." It's a great word to add to your vocabulary, but it needs a little nuance.

1. Core Meaning:

"Vexing" primarily means annoying, irritating, or frustrating. It describes something that persistently bothers you and causes annoyance. It's stronger than simply “annoying,” suggesting a more persistent and irritating quality.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

Here's a breakdown with examples showing different ways to incorporate it into sentences:

  • Describing a person: "His constant interruptions were incredibly vexing." (Highlights persistent annoyance)
  • Describing a situation: "The tangled headphones were a vexing problem to untangle." (Emphasizes frustration)
  • Describing a task: "Trying to fix the leaky faucet was a thoroughly vexing experience." (Indicates a frustrating and difficult task)
  • Describing a feeling: "I felt vexed by his criticism, even though he was trying to be helpful." (Expresses the feeling of being annoyed by something)

3. Key Characteristics & Nuances:

  • Persistent: Vexing things don’t just annoy you for a moment; they keep bothering you.
  • Frustration: There's usually an element of frustration involved. It’s not just a mild dislike; it’s something that makes you want to complain or struggle.
  • Often implies a small, but recurring problem: "Vexing" is often used for minor annoyances that accumulate and become irritating. It's not typically reserved for major problems.

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Irritating
  • Annoying
  • Frustrating
  • Troublesome
  • Maddening
  • Agitating

5. Antonyms (Words with opposite meanings):

  • Pleasant
  • Agreeable
  • Delightful
  • Comforting

6. Sentence Structure:

“Vexing” is usually used as an adjective. Here’s how it fits into a sentence:

  • The vexing problem… (describing the problem)
  • He delivered a vexing speech… (describing the speech)
  • I found the situation quite vexing. (describing your feeling)

7. Let's Practice!

Try to use "vexing" in these sentences:

  • “The slow internet connection was very _______.”
  • “He was a _______ presence in the room, always asking questions.”
  • “The instructions for assembling the furniture were incredibly _______.”

Resources for Further Study:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using "vexing" in different contexts?
  • Explain how it's used in more formal writing?

Synonyms for the word vexing

Practice with vocabulary vexing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The persistent network glitches proved to be a ______ issue for the IT department, causing widespread frustration.
  2. Solving the intricate algorithm required careful thought and often left the programmers feeling ______.
  3. Dealing with the constant changes in project scope has become increasingly ______ for our team, hindering progress and morale.
  4. The discovery of a new exoplanet had a ______ impact on the scientific community, sparking intense debate and research.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describe a problem that is annoying and difficult to resolve, often causing frustration? a) trivial b) straightforward c) vexing d) infuriating e) simple

  2. If a policy document is unclear and open to multiple interpretations, it is most likely: a) unambiguous b) concise c) explicit d) ambiguous

  3. Which situations could accurately be described as "vexing"? a) A sudden, easy solution to a complex problem. b) A coworker consistently missing deadlines and causing delays in a shared project. c) A minor, easily fixed software bug in an application. d) A prolonged, unresolved debate over a critical project strategy among stakeholders.

  4. Which word best describes someone who works carefully, diligently, and persistently to achieve a goal? a) errant b) nonchalant c) assiduous d) complacent

  5. What is a synonym for "vexing" when referring to a topic that is highly debated and causes contention? a) clear b) contentious c) agreeable d) simple e) debatable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The continuous delays in the project schedule are really irritating everyone involved.
    • Rewrite using "vexing":
  2. Her habit of constantly interrupting speakers truly annoys her colleagues.
    • Rewrite using a form of "vex":
  3. The complex legal jargon made understanding the contract extremely difficult.
    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "vexing"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vexing
  2. perplexing
  3. vexing
  4. profound

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) vexing, d) infuriating
  2. d) ambiguous
  3. b) A coworker consistently missing deadlines and causing delays in a shared project. d) A prolonged, unresolved debate over a critical project strategy among stakeholders.
  4. c) assiduous
  5. b) contentious, e) debatable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The continuous delays in the project schedule are proving to be quite vexing for everyone involved.
  2. Her habit of constantly interrupting speakers truly vexes her colleagues.
  3. The complex legal jargon made understanding the contract extremely challenging.

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