meddler

/ˈmedlə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmedlər/ (ame, ipa) · /-d(ᵊ)lə(r)/ (ame, mw)

meddler — noun

  • meddlersingular
  • meddlersplural

1. a person who involves themselves in other people's private matters or decisions

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who involves themselves in other people's private matters or decisions without being asked or welcome to do so, often causing annoyance

例句

The meddler next door told Mei her garden needed more flowers, though she had never asked for his opinion.

the meddler next door — noun with location modifier

Kwame complained when the office meddler changed his travel dates without asking him first.

the office meddler — noun with workplace modifier

同義詞
  • busybody

    more informal; focuses on prying into others' private affairs rather than actively changing things

  • interferer

    more neutral and less common; can describe any kind of obstruction, not just social interference

  • interloper

    suggests intrusion into a physical or social space where one does not belong

  • kibitzer

    informal; specifically describes someone who gives unwanted advice, often in games or work contexts

文法句型

the [modifier] meddler

a meddler in [context]

用法筆記

Always carries a strong negative tone—used to express disapproval of someone who interferes where they are not wanted. The noun often appears with a context-specific modifier (office meddler, village meddler, government meddler).

常見錯誤

❌I am lucky to have a helpful meddler as my neighbour.
✅I am lucky to have a helpful neighbour.
💡Meddler is always an insult; do not use it as a compliment.
❌The meddler at the help desk assisted me with my passport application.
✅The assistant at the help desk helped me with my passport application.
💡Meddler implies unwelcome interference, not friendly service.