How Do You Spell PRY?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "pry" is spelled with the letters P-R-Y. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /praɪ/. This word is pronounced with a long "i" sound (/aɪ/) and a sharp "r" sound (/r/), followed by a voiced "y" sound (/j/). The spelling of "pry" is straightforward and easy to remember, as it follows the common English pattern of using the letter "y" as a vowel to represent the sound of a long "i" in certain words.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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PRY Meaning and Definition

  1. Pry, as a verb, refers to the act of forcefully or persistently trying to obtain information, often by intrusively prying or inquiring into someone else's private matters. It involves seeking or uncovering confidential or secret information that may not be readily shared or disclosed willingly. It typically involves prying into a person's personal life, secrets, private affairs, or sensitive details that they may not want to reveal.

    In a broader sense, pry can also mean to use force or leverage to open or separate something that is tightly closed, locked, or stuck. It refers to the action of pulling or moving apart objects, containers, or structures that are firmly held together or sealed shut.

    As a noun, pry refers to a tool or instrument specifically designed for prying open or separating objects. It typically consists of a thin, flat, and angular piece of metal, often with a pointed end, used to manipulate or lift objects, remove nails, or force things apart.

    Overall, the term "pry" usually connotes a certain level of intrusion, persistence, or curiosity, suggesting a desire to uncover hidden information or gain access to someone's private matters without their permission or cooperation. It implies an active effort to probe, investigate, or snoop into areas of privacy that may be considered personal or confidential.

  2. • Prying.
    • To inspect narrowly or closely; to attempt to discover something with scrutinising curiosity.
    • Narrow inspection.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PRY

Etymology of PRY

The word "pry" comes from the Middle English "pryen" which means "peep in or look closely". It can be traced back to the Old French word "prier" which means "to obtain by begging, to entreat". Ultimately, the word can be derived from the Latin word "precari" which means "to ask, to pray". The shift in meaning from "to entreat" to "to look closely" possibly occurred because the act of begging or asking for something often involves prying or investigating into someone else's affairs.

Idioms with the word PRY

  • pry sth up The idiom "pry sth up" means to forcibly lift or remove something using a lever or similar tool, often with some difficulty or resistance. It implies the act of exerting effort and force to separate or loosen an object that is stuck, fixed, or tightly secured.
  • pry sth from sth The idiom "pry sth from sth" means to forcibly or with difficulty remove or extract something from a particular place or person. It implies that the item or information being removed is being held tightly or closely guarded.
  • pry around The idiom "pry around" can be defined as the act of being inquisitive or nosy, attempting to discover or reveal information or secrets about someone or something. It refers to the behavior of prying or being overly curious about matters that are generally considered private or confidential.
  • pry sth from sm The idiom "pry something from someone" means to extract or obtain something from someone with difficulty, often when they are unwilling to give or share it. It implies that the person is tightly holding onto the thing and requires effort to make them release it.
  • pry into sth The idiom "pry into sth" means to intrude or interfere in someone's personal or private matters without their permission or invitation. It implies excessively curious or nosy behavior, attempting to uncover information that is not willingly shared.
  • pry sth off (of) sth The idiom "pry something off (of) something" refers to the act of forcefully removing or separating an object from another object or surface, typically using a tool for leverage or by applying pressure. It implies that the item is stubbornly attached and requires some effort to dislodge or detach it.

Similar spelling words for PRY

Plural form of PRY is PRIES

Conjugate verb Pry

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have pried
you would have pried
he/she/it would have pried
we would have pried
they would have pried
I would have pry
you would have pry
he/she/it would have pry
we would have pry
they would have pry

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been prying
you would have been prying
he/she/it would have been prying
we would have been prying
they would have been prying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would pry
you would pry
he/she/it would pry
we would pry
they would pry

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be prying
you would be prying
he/she/it would be prying
we would be prying
they would be prying

FUTURE

I will pry
you will pry
he/she/it will pry
we will pry
they will pry

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be prying
you will be prying
he/she/it will be prying
we will be prying
they will be prying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have pried
you will have pried
he/she/it will have pried
we will have pried
they will have pried

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been prying
you will have been prying
he/she/it will have been prying
we will have been prying
they will have been prying

IMPERATIVE

you pry
we let´s pry

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to pry

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was prying
you were prying
he/she/it was prying
we were prying
they were prying

PAST PARTICIPLE

pried

PAST PERFECT

I had pried
you had pried
he/she/it had pried
we had pried
they had pried

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been prying
you had been prying
he/she/it had been prying
we had been prying
they had been prying

PRESENT

I pry
you pry
he/she/it pries
we pry
they pry

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am prying
you are prying
he/she/it is prying
we are prying
they are prying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

prying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have pried
you have pried
he/she/it has pried
we have pried
they have pried

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been prying
you have been prying
he/she/it has been prying
we have been prying
they have been prying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it pry

SIMPLE PAST

I pried
you pried
he/she/it pried
we pried
they pried

Infographic

Correct spelling for pry
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