Prig

Pronunciation: /prɪɡ/

Definitions of prig

noun a person who displays or demands of others pointlessly precise conformity, fussiness about trivialities, or exaggerated propriety, especially in a self-righteous or irritating manner

Example Sentences

A1 He is such a prig, always correcting people's grammar.

A2 She came across as a prig when she refused to join in the group activity.

B1 The prig in the office always insists on following every rule to the letter.

B2 The prig at the dinner party made everyone feel uncomfortable with his snobbish remarks.

C1 His reputation as a prig precedes him, but he is actually quite friendly once you get to know him.

C2 The author's portrayal of the main character as a prig adds depth to the novel's themes of social class and morality.

Examples of prig in a Sentence

formal The professor was often seen as a prig due to his strict adherence to academic rules.

informal Don't be such a prig and just enjoy the party.

slang She's such a prig, always acting like she's better than everyone else.

figurative His priggish attitude towards modern art shows his narrow-mindedness.

Grammatical Forms of prig

• past tense: prigged
• plural: prigs
• comparative: more priggish
• superlative: most priggish
• present tense: prigs
• future tense: will prig
• perfect tense: have prigged
• continuous tense: is prigging
• singular: prig
• positive degree: prig
• infinitive: to prig
• gerund: prigging
• participle: prigged

Origin and Evolution of prig

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'prig' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'prigge' meaning 'dandy' or 'fop'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'prig' evolved to refer to a person who is excessively concerned with propriety, especially in a self-righteous or irritating manner.