bossy
gb/bˈɔsi/ us/bˈɔsi/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
always telling others what to do
If someone is bossy, they tell other people what to do too much.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is bossy (with/around [someone])
Common mistake:
Do not use bossy to mean 'a boss' or 'having a boss'; it means 'controlling' or 'ordering people around'.
Synonyms
domineering (More formal and stronger.)
|
overbearing (Suggests an oppressive, overwhelming manner.)
|
pushy (Often about forcing your way, not just giving orders.)
|
controlling (Focuses on wanting control rather than giving orders.)
Antonyms
easygoing (Relaxed and not controlling.)
|
laid-back (Very relaxed; not likely to order others around.)
|
submissive (Too willing to accept other people’s control.)
Collocations
a bossy person
|a bossy child
|a bossy sister
|a bossy colleague
|a bossy manager
|bossy behavior
|bossy attitude
|bossy and rude
|bossy and controlling
|a bit bossy
Themes
personality
|relationships
|work
|behavior
Examples
- He can be bossy when we work in a group.
- Stop being so bossy and let everyone choose for themselves.
- My older brother was bossy when we were kids.
Learner examples
- She is bossy at work.
- Don’t be bossy.
adjective
B2
property
2
sounding like you are giving orders
A bossy tone or voice sounds like an order.
Usage pattern:
a bossy [tone/voice/manner]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse bossy for any 'strong' tone; it specifically implies giving orders and control.
Synonyms
authoritarian (More formal; emphasizes strict authority.)
|
peremptory (More formal; emphasizes curt, final orders.)
Antonyms
polite (Shows respect rather than giving orders.)
|
suggestive (Offers ideas instead of directing.)
Collocations
a bossy tone
|a bossy voice
|a bossy manner
|a bossy email
|a bossy message
|bossy instructions
|a bossy remark
|a bossy comment
|come off as bossy
|sound bossy
Themes
communication
|behavior
|emotions
Examples
- Her email sounded bossy, even though she didn’t mean it that way.
- Try not to use such a bossy tone when you ask for help.
- The note came across as bossy and impatient.
Learner examples
- His voice sounds bossy.
adjective
informal
C1
property
3
overly controlling or intrusive in design
Something is bossy if it keeps telling you what to do.
Usage pattern:
a bossy [app/software/feature/assistant]
Common mistake:
This use is usually informal and often humorous; it is not typical in very formal writing.
Synonyms
intrusive (Focuses on unwanted interruptions.)
|
pushy (Emphasizes pressure rather than authority.)
Antonyms
unobtrusive (Does not get in the way or interrupt.)
|
hands-off (Leaves the user to decide without interference.)
Collocations
a bossy app
|bossy software
|a bossy assistant
|bossy prompts
|bossy notifications
|a bossy pop-up
|bossy recommendations
Themes
technology
|design
|daily_life
Examples
- The new app feels bossy, with constant pop-ups telling me what to do next.
- I turned off the bossy reminders because they were distracting.
Learner examples
- This app is bossy.
Grammar
Dictionary form
bossy
IPA
GB/bˈɔsi/
US/bˈɔsi/
Syllables & stress
bossy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (bossy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: bossy
- Comparative: bossier
- Superlative: bossiest
Word family
Forms
bossier
adjective
bossiest
adjective
Core family
boss
noun A2
bossiness
noun
Related words
bossily
adverb
Expressions
bossy boots
1/bˈɔsi bˈuts/
fixed phrase
informal
a bossy person (playful insult)
A playful name for someone who keeps giving orders.
Examples
- All right, bossy boots—I'll do it your way this time.
- Don’t be such a bossy boots and let him decide.
bossy-pants
1/bˈɔsi pˈænts/
fixed phrase
informal
a bossy person (humorous)
A funny name for a bossy person.
Examples
- She’s being a total bossy-pants about where we eat.
- Okay, bossy-pants, you plan the schedule then.