gadfly

Meanings

• noun

  A person who annoys, provokes, or torments others, often for their own amusement or to further a cause.

  - "Socrates was a gadfly to the people of Athens, urging them to question their beliefs and values."
  - "The journalist was a gadfly to the politicians, always asking uncomfortable questions."

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Pronunciation

1. /ˈɡædflaɪ/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79241423"

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Synonyms

bloodsucker , botfly , horsefly , stoat-fly , stout

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with gadfly
blythe , fly , hight , light , might , night , sight , write

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Variants

List of all variants of gadfly that leads to same result
gadflies , gadfly

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Derived from the Middle English word 'gadde' meaning 'fly' and 'flie' meaning 'to annoy'. The term was used metaphorically to describe someone who irritated or bothered others.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'gadfly' has been used metaphorically in literature and philosophy for centuries. Socrates was referred to as the 'gadfly of Athens' in Plato's dialogues.

2. The term 'gadfly' is also used in biology to describe a fly that annoys horses by landing on their backs and causing them to move around.

3. In modern usage, the term 'gadfly' can also refer to a person who annoys or provokes others on social media or in online forums.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Socrates: A classical Greek philosopher who is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. He is best known for his method of questioning, called the Socratic method.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, the term 'gadfly' has been used metaphorically to describe someone who challenges the status quo or provokes thought and reflection. Socrates is perhaps the most famous historical figure referred to as a gadfly, as he challenged the beliefs and values of the people of Athens through philosophical inquiry.

How to Memorize "gadfly"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a fly buzzing around someone's head, annoying and distracting them. Visualize yourself being a gadfly, irritating and provoking others to get a reaction.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'gadfly' with the image of a fly or someone annoying others. Use the acronym 'GADFLY' to remember the definition: 'Gets Annoying, Distracts, Frequently Lingers, Yields Results'.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic using the first letter of each definition word: 'Gadflies Get Annoying, Distract, Frequently Lingers, Yield Results'.

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