vex
/veks/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈɛks] /veks/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈɛks] /ˈveks How to pronounce vex (audio)/ (ame, mw)
vex — verb
- vexpresent simple I / you / we / they
- vexeshe / she / it
- vexedpast simple
- vexing-ing form
1. to make someone feel annoyed, worried, or upset, especially as a result of small
to make someone feel annoyed, worried, or upset, especially as a result of small but persistent problems
The constant noise from the construction site vexed the residents every morning.
passive: be vexed by [cause]
It vexes Inês when her colleagues arrive late to meetings without warning.
It vexes + [person] + when-clause
Salma was clearly vexed by the airline's sudden cancellation of her flight.
A series of small technical problems vexed the team throughout the project.
- annoy
more common and milder; suitable for everyday situations
- irritate
similar strength, but more about physical or sensory discomfort
- exasperate
stronger; implies the person has lost patience
文法句型
vex + noun phrase
be vexed by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive (be vexed by/at something). Unlike annoy, vex suggests irritation that builds up from repeated or ongoing causes rather than a single brief event.
常見錯誤
2. to confuse or puzzle someone, making it difficult for them to understand or find
to confuse or puzzle someone, making it difficult for them to understand or find an explanation
The strange symbols on the ancient map vexed the archaeologists for months.
be vexed by [mystery/problem]
The crossword clue vexed Rafael for hours before he suddenly saw the answer.
What vexes the research team most is the lack of any clear pattern in the data.
A sudden change in the laboratory results vexed the technicians.
文法句型
vex + noun phrase
be vexed by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is typically a problem, puzzle, or abstract question rather than a person. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes intellectual confusion or bewilderment, not emotional irritation.