1. Bully (noun): A person who habitually seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce those who are weaker or vulnerable.
2. Bully (verb): To intimidate, harm, or coerce someone perceived as weaker or more vulnerable.
3. Bully (adjective, informal): Excellent or first-rate (archaic usage).
The word "bully" most commonly refers to a person who uses their power or perceived strength to intimidate, harm, or control others who are considered weaker or vulnerable. It can function as a verb, meaning to engage in such intimidating behavior or to pressure someone into doing something against their will. Historically, "bully" had positive connotations, meaning "excellent" or "admirable," and was used as a term of endearment or approval. Let’s dive deeper into its definitions, usage, and related information.
The term "bully" carries various meanings depending on its context, ranging from describing harmful actions to indicating something praiseworthy in older usage. Here’s an in-depth look at its definitions.
As a noun, "bully" refers to a person who uses power or strength to intimidate or harm others, particularly those perceived as weaker. This is the most recognized and commonly used definition today.
As a verb, "bully" means to act aggressively or coercively toward someone, often through physical, verbal, or psychological means.
In older, informal usage, "bully" as an adjective conveyed a sense of admiration or excellence, as in "a bully good time."
The word "bully" functions as a noun, verb, and adjective. As a noun, it identifies an aggressive person. As a verb, it describes the act of intimidating or harming someone. The adjective form, though rare and archaic, expressed positivity, showcasing the word’s linguistic evolution.
The word "bully" is pronounced "BULL-ee," where "BULL" rhymes with "full" or "pull," and "ee" sounds like the letter "E." Both syllables receive roughly equal stress, though the first syllable is slightly more emphasized, making it "BULL-ee" rather than "bull-EE." Practice by saying the word "bull" (as in the animal) and adding a light "ee" sound at the end.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈbʊl.i/
Synonyms for "bully" enrich the vocabulary and offer alternative ways to describe similar behaviors. Here are some examples:
Antonyms provide insights into behaviors that counteract or oppose bullying. Here are some examples:
Using "bully" in sentences demonstrates its versatility and impact. Here are ten examples:
The use of "bully" has increased significantly since the 1990s, particularly in educational and social contexts, as shown by Google's Ngram Viewer data indicating a sharp rise in usage coinciding with increased awareness of bullying behavior. The word appears frequently in contemporary discussions about education, workplace dynamics, and social media, making it considerably more common in modern discourse than in previous centuries. Current usage statistics show "bully" ranking among the top 5,000 most frequently used words in English.
The word "bully" has several variants based on context and grammatical use:
Understanding related terms provides broader insights into the concept of bullying. Here are some examples:
The word "bully" entered English in the 1530s from the Dutch "boel," meaning "lover" or "brother," and was initially used as a term of endearment for both men and women. During the 1600s, the meaning shifted to describe a fine fellow or someone admirable, which explains Theodore Roosevelt's famous use of "Bully!" as an exclamation of approval in the early 1900s. The negative transformation began in the 1600s when "bully" started referring to a swaggering, quarrelsome person, often someone hired to intimidate others, as seen in plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
The term "bully" has given rise to several derivatives and compounds:
Common spelling mistakes can lead to confusion. Here are some misspellings of "bully":
Idioms related to "bully" add depth to language use. Here are ten examples:
Below are answers to common questions about "bully."
1. What does "bully" mean?
"Bully" refers to a person who intimidates or harms others or the act of doing so.
2. Can "bully" have a positive meaning?
Historically, "bully" meant excellent or admirable, but this usage is now archaic.
3. What is the adjective form of "bully"?
The adjective form "bully" (archaic) was used to mean "excellent."
4. What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or harm others.
5. What are some signs of bullying?
Signs include fear, withdrawal, or a reluctance to attend school or work due to intimidation.
6. How can bullying be prevented?
Prevention includes education, open communication, and anti-bullying policies in schools and workplaces.
7. What is the origin of "bully"?
The word "bully" originates from a Dutch term meaning "lover" or "brother."
8. Is "bully" used in legal contexts?
Yes, bullying is often addressed in legal frameworks, especially concerning workplace and school environments.
9. How does bullying impact victims?
Bullying can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
10. Can bullying be accidental?
While most bullying is intentional, certain actions can inadvertently harm others and still be considered bullying.
A "bully" is someone who intimidates or harms others, though historically, it also means something praiseworthy. Understanding the term helps address its modern implications and encourages responsible behavior. Explore other word definitions to deepen your appreciation for language and its nuances.
