# pry

> English word · Verb · IPA /pɹaɪ/ · frequency rank #26,212

## Definitions
1. To peer closely and curiously, especially at something closed or not public.
2. To inquire into something that does not concern one; to be nosy; to snoop.
3. To peer at (something) closely; also, to look into (a matter, etc.) thoroughly.

## Etymology
The verb is inherited from Middle English prien, pryen (“to look closely, peer into, pry, spy”) [and other forms], from Old English *prīwan, *prēowian (“to look narrowly, to squint at”), attested by Old English beprīwan, beprēwan (“to wink”); further etymology unknown, but probably akin to Old English *prēowot (“closing of the eyes”), attested only in combination – compare prēowthwīl (“blink or twinkling of an eye, moment”), princ (“a wink”): see prink.
The noun is derived from the verb.

## Easily confused with
- **pt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pt)
- **PS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-ps)
- **PU** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pu)
- **PV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pv)
- **PW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pw)
- **PX** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-px)
- **put** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-put)
- **pub** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pub)
- **pup** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pup)
- **pun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pun)
- **PSA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-psa)
- **PTS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pts)
- **psi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-psi)
- **PSG** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-psg)
- **PST** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pst)
- **PSP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-psp)
- **PVC** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pvc)
- **pug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pug)
- **PTA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pta)
- **PvP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pry-vs-pvp)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pry