vexation

Everyday

1. A feeling of being annoyed, frustrated or worried. tree →
2. Something that annoys you. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly in older books and the formal voice: «To her great vexation, the train was late.» In everyday speech people say «annoyance» or «frustration». Adjective: vexed; vexing.

Examples

• To his vexation, the last cake was gone. tree →
• She stamped her foot in vexation. tree →
• The broken printer was a daily vexation. tree →
• The king cried out in vexation when the plan failed. tree →
• Losing her keys again caused her great vexation. tree →
• The noisy neighbours were a constant vexation. tree →
• At this accident Jason could not help uttering a cry of vexation. tree →

Note

Formal or old-fashioned; plain words: annoyance, irritation. Verb: vex. «A vexed question» means a problem people argue about.

In Jewish tradition

It means distress, anger or grief. Ecclesiastes uses it for the sadness that comes with wisdom and effort.

Interpretation. The tradition reads Ecclesiastes as showing that life without God is empty and full of trouble.

Examples

• A fool's vexation is presently known; but a prudent man concealeth shame. (Writings PRO.12.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• For in much wisdom is much vexation; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. (Writings ECC.1.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Oh that my vexation were but weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances altogether! (Writings JOB.6.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal or old-fashioned; plain words: annoyance, irritation. Verb: vex. «A vexed question» means a problem people argue about.