Pronunciation

/vɛks/

Definitions

• Verb: (vex) 1. To cause annoyance, irritation, or concern; upset. 2. To perplex or puzzle. 3. To provoke or irritate (usually followed by ‘with’).
• Adjective: Causing annoyance or irritation; vexing.

Phrases

• “Be vexed by a problem” means to be troubled or puzzled by a challenge.
• “Don’t let his comments vex you” suggests not to be bothered by someone’s critical remarks.
• “Vexed with frustration” describes a state of being annoyed or irritated due to difficulty.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The news of their cancellation vexed the fans.”
• Adjective: “The teacher was vexed by the students’ lack of understanding.”
• Prepositional Phrase: “She felt vexed with herself for making a careless mistake.”

Synonyms

• Irritate
• Annoy
• Disturb
• Upset
• Puzzle
• Frusturate

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Ease
• Delight
• Satisfy
• Clarify

Usage Notes

• The verb “vex” is often used informally and can be replaced with other verbs like “irritate” or “annoy” in most contexts.
• The adjective “vexing” is used to describe something that causes annoyance or difficulty, while “vexed” typically describes the state of being troubled by such things.