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vexed
/vɛkst/
annoyed or frustrated
She felt vexed by the constant delays in the project.
She was annoyed or frustrated because the project kept getting delayed.
formal
feeling or showing irritation, annoyance, or distress due to a problem or situation
The committee was vexed by the lack of progress in the negotiations.
The committee felt frustrated because the negotiations weren't moving forward.
He was vexed at the unfair treatment he received.
He felt annoyed and upset about being treated unfairly.
Often used to describe a state of mild to moderate irritation rather than intense anger.
Pro Tip
Common prepositions with 'vexed'
Use 'vexed by' for things (e.g., 'vexed by the noise') and 'vexed at' for people or actions (e.g., 'vexed at his behavior').
Gold Rule
Avoid overuse
'Vexed' is stronger than 'annoyed' but weaker than 'furious'. Use it for moderate irritation, not extreme anger.
Word Origin
From Latin 'vexare' meaning 'to shake, disturb, annoy', via Old French 'vexer' and Middle English 'vexen'. The adjective form 'vexed' emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often followed by 'by' or 'at' to indicate the cause of irritation.
Word Breakdown
vex-
to annoy or disturb
root-ed
past participle suffix indicating state
suffixEnglish Dictionary