“Intrusive” vs. “Obtrusive”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “intrusive” and “obtrusive”

  • Intrusive behavior involves actively involving oneself in someone else's life without invitation, while obtrusive behavior is more about standing out or causing disruption in a situation.
  • Intrusive behavior often results in discomfort for the person being intruded upon, while obtrusive behavior may cause a more general sense of annoyance or inconvenience.
  • Intrusive behavior can involve crossing physical or emotional boundaries, while obtrusive behavior is more about being noticeable or conspicuous in a way that is not wanted.
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What is the definition of “intrusive” and “obtrusive”?

Intrusive
  • Having a tendency to intrude or force oneself into a situation without being invited or welcome.
  • Involving excessive involvement with the details of other people's lives without their permission.
  • Causing discomfort or disruption in someone's personal space or daily routine.
Obtrusive
  • Standing out in an unwelcome or unpleasant way.
  • Calling too much attention to oneself in an aggressive or inappropriate manner.
  • Interfering with someone's ability to concentrate or enjoy their surroundings.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Intrusive” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Intrusive
54,400,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The photographer's intrusive behavior made the celebrity uncomfortable.
  2. The loud couples' intrusive conversation made it difficult for others to concentrate.
  3. The intrusive ad kept popping up on my computer screen every few seconds.
Obtrusive
5,010,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The obtrusive statue blocked the view of the beautiful sunset.
  2. The obtrusive partygoer kept interrupting my conversation with his boisterous laughter.
  3. The obtrusive neon sign was a distraction to drivers on the road.
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