annoyance

Everyday

1. Annoyance is the feeling of being a little angry or cross because something bothers you. tree →
2. An annoyance is a thing or person that bothers you. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it names a character's mild anger: «to her annoyance», «with annoyance». In everyday life small annoyances are things like a buzzing fly, a slow computer, or a dripping tap. In social lessons pupils learn to say calmly what annoys them.

Examples

• To my annoyance, the bus left just as I arrived. tree →
• The buzzing fly was a big annoyance. tree →
• He sighed with annoyance when the computer froze. tree →
• Loud music at night is an annoyance to neighbours. tree →
• She hid her annoyance and smiled. tree →
• Wet socks are a small annoyance. tree →
• Soon afterwards Hera, to her extreme annoyance, discovered whom she had nursed, and became filled with jealous rage. tree →

Note

Verb: annoy; adjectives: annoyed (how you feel), annoying (what causes it). «I am annoyed» (not «I am annoying», which means you annoy others). Annoyance is weaker than anger. Spelled with double n and «-ance».