Word
meddle
Phoneticsmed·dle, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɛdəɫ/
UK/mˈɛdəl/
Definition
v. to get involved in something that is not your business. You use this when someone is trying to change a situation that does not concern them.
v. to interfere in the affairs of others or in a situation that is not one's concern. Often carries a negative connotation of being intrusive or overstepping one's bounds.
Examples
“He does not want anyone to meddle in his private life.”
“The neighbors stopped meddling in our garden after we put up a fence.”
“The committee warned that outside investors should not meddle in the company's internal operations, as such interference often leads to a loss of focus on long-term goals.”
Examples
simple
“He does not want anyone to meddle in his private life.”
contextual
“The neighbors stopped meddling in our garden after we put up a fence.”
complex
“The committee warned that outside investors should not meddle in the company's internal operations, as such interference often leads to a loss of focus on long-term goals.”
Etymology
From Middle English medlen, from Anglo-Norman medler, from Early Medieval Latin misculāre, derived from Latin misceō (“to mix”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/meddle