Words / C2

NETL/ˈnetl/

To nettle is to annoy or provoke (often be nettled): nettled by the slight, nettled into a reply. Annoy and irritate are everyday; the plant that stings is the other sense. Needle (already in the dictionary) is a lookalike, not a synonym. Do not write nettled for a numbered objection you simply dislike.

Meaning

To annoy or provoke someone (often be nettled).

Examples

• “She was nettled by “noted” beside an open flame risk, and she was right.”
• “Annoy is everyday. Irritate is close. A nettle stings. Needle is a pin or a verb “goad” (already in the dictionary) — related in feel, not the same word. Anger at a missing date can be justified. Sulking about biscuits is not being nettled; it is a sulk.”

Good to know

Annoy (usually be nettled). Everyday: annoy / irritate. Also the stinging plant. Mix-up: needle. A dated risk can fairly nettle.

Near in meaning

annoy

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