Irk means to annoy, irritate, or bother someone a little. It is often used when something causes mild frustration, not deep anger.
People use irk in everyday conversation to talk about small things that get on their nerves. For example, a loud noise, a rude habit, or a repeated mistake can irk someone.
Meaning & Usage
Use irk when something is unpleasant or irritating. It is a simple way to say that something bothers you.
Example: “His habit of interrupting people really irks me.”
Examples
“It irks me when people are late.”
“The constant noise irked her.”
“Small mistakes can irk him easily.”
Is “irk” a strong word?
No, it is usually a mild word. It means something is annoying, but not usually seriously upsetting.
Can “irk” be used in formal writing?
Yes, it can be used in both casual and formal English, though it is more common in everyday speech and writing.
What is a simple synonym for “irk”?
Common synonyms include annoy, bother, and irritate.
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