Pry vs. Prise — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Pry" typically means to inquire too closely into a person's private affairs or to use leverage to open something; "prise" (mostly British) also means to use force to move or open something.
Difference Between Pry and Prise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The verb "pry" is commonly used in two contexts: to describe the act of being overly curious about someone's private matters, and to refer to the act of using a tool to lever something open. For example, one might pry into a friend's personal life, or pry open a paint can with a screwdriver. On the other hand, "prise," which is predominantly used in British English, almost exclusively refers to the physical action of leveraging or forcing something open, such as prising open a door stuck shut.
In American English, "pry" is the standard term for both the invasive questioning and the act of leveraging, whereas "prise" is generally not used. British English differentiates slightly more, using "prise" for the action of leveraging and reserving "pry" primarily for its metaphorical use in terms of curiosity or nosiness.
The use of tools or the application of force is common to both terms when discussing physical actions. For example, prying or prising something open often involves tools like crowbars or screwdrivers. However, "pry" in the sense of curiosity does not involve physical tools but rather metaphorical tools like questions or persistent attentiveness.
Culturally, "pry" as it relates to curiosity often carries a negative connotation, implying an unwelcome or inappropriate intrusion into personal matters. Conversely, "prise" as a physical action does not inherently carry a moral judgement, but is rather a neutral description of an action.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Inquire too closely or open with leverage
Primarily to open with leverage
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Usage
Both metaphorical and literal
Mostly literal
Connotation
Can be negative when referring to curiosity
Neutral
Regional Use
Used in both American and British English
Predominantly British English
Tools Involved
Often involves physical tools for opening; metaphorical for curiosity
Physical tools like crowbars or levers
Compare with Definitions
Pry
To obtain information through persistent or subtle inquiries.
He managed to pry the truth from them after hours of discussion.
Prise
Often requires physical effort or tools.
It took considerable effort to prise the rock from the ground.
Pry
To open or move something by using leverage.
He used a knife to pry open the lid.
Prise
Mainly British usage, similar to 'pry'.
Prise that box off the shelf.
Pry
To raise, move, or pull apart something with a tool.
Pry the window open with a crowbar.
Prise
To use force to open or move something.
She had to prise the jammed door open.
Pry
To inquire too intrusively into private matters.
She didn't like to pry into her colleagues' lives.
Prise
To lever something up or apart with a tool.
Using a screwdriver, he prised the floorboards.
Pry
To use a tool to lever something away from a surface.
He pried the nail out of the board.
Prise
Does not carry the connotation of curiosity or nosiness.
They used a bar to prise the gate wide enough to pass.
Pry
To look or inquire closely, curiously, or impertinently
Was always prying into the affairs of others.
Prise
Variant of prize3.
Pry
To raise, move, or force open with a lever.
Prise
(obsolete) An enterprise or adventure.
Pry
To obtain with effort or difficulty
Pried a confession out of the suspect.
Prise
Obsolete form of prize
Pry
Something, such as a crowbar, that is used to apply leverage.
Prise
To force (open) with a lever; to pry.
Pry
(intransitive)
Prise
Extract something that is difficult to obtain.
Prise information out of someone
Pry
To peer closely and curiously, especially at something closed or not public.
Prise
An enterprise.
Pry
(figuratively) To inquire into something that does not concern one; to be nosy; to snoop.
Prise
To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open;
The burglar jimmied the lock
Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail
Pry
To peer at (something) closely; also, to look into (a matter, etc.) thoroughly.
Prise
Make an uninvited or presumptuous inquiry;
They pried the information out of him
Pry
To use leverage to open, raise, or widen (something); to prise or prize.
Prise
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Pry
(figuratively) Usually followed by out (of): to draw out or get (information, etc.) with effort.
Pry
An act of prying; a close and curious look.
Pry
A person who is very inquisitive or nosy; a busybody, a nosey parker.
Pry
A tool for levering; a crowbar, a lever.
Pry
A lever; also, leverage.
Pry
Curious inspection; impertinent peeping.
Pry
To raise or move, or attempt to raise or move, with a pry or lever; to prize.
Pry
To peep narrowly; to gaze; to inspect closely; to attempt to discover something by a scrutinizing curiosity; - often implying reproach.
Watch thou and wake when others be asleep,To pry into the secrets of the state.
Pry
A heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge
Pry
To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open;
The burglar jimmied the lock
Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail
Pry
Be nosey;
Don't pry into my personal matters!
Pry
Search or inquire in a meddlesome way;
This guy is always nosing around the office
Pry
Make an uninvited or presumptuous inquiry;
They pried the information out of him
Common Curiosities
Why might someone prefer to use "prise" over "pry"?
Using "prise" can avoid the negative connotations of curiosity associated with "pry", particularly in contexts where physical action is meant.
Does "prying" always mean physical opening?
"Prying" can refer to both seeking out private information and physically leveraging something open.
Can "pry" and "prise" be used interchangeably in British English?
In British English, "pry" often connotes nosiness, whereas "prise" is used for the physical act of leveraging.
Is "prise" used in American English?
"Prise" is not commonly used in American English; "pry" is preferred for both meanings.
Can "pry" have positive implications?
While typically associated with nosiness, "pry" can have positive implications when it involves uncovering important information that could prevent harm or resolve issues.
How do the tools used for prying differ from those used for prising?
The tools are generally the same (e.g., crowbars, screwdrivers), but the terminology might differ based on regional preferences, with "prise" being favored in British English.
What does it mean to pry into someone's life?
To pry into someone's life means to inquire too intrusively or deeply into their personal matters, often without their consent.
How can one respond if someone is prying into their personal life?
Responding to prying can involve setting clear boundaries, directly addressing the inappropriate nature of the inquiries, or choosing to withhold information to maintain privacy.
What tools are typically used to pry or prise something?
Tools such as crowbars, screwdrivers, and pry bars are common.
What are the legal implications of prying into someone's affairs?
Legally, prying into someone’s affairs can lead to accusations of invasion of privacy, which could result in legal repercussions if it infringes on an individual's rights.
In what situations is it considered appropriate to use "prise"?
"Prise" is appropriately used when describing the action of leveraging or forcing something open, especially in British English, without the connotations of intrusiveness.
Can prying be justified in any professional contexts?
In professional contexts, such as journalism or law enforcement, prying can be justified when it involves gathering necessary information for public interest or safety.
Are there cultural differences in the acceptance of prying?
Yes, cultural differences significantly impact the acceptance of prying; some cultures are more protective of personal privacy, while others might view interpersonal curiosity more benignly.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
