nettle
C1Neutral, leaning formal when used as a verb; informal/standard for the plant.
Definition
Meaning
A common wild plant with stinging hairs on its leaves that cause a temporary, painful rash when touched.
To irritate, provoke, or annoy someone, akin to the plant's physical sting.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it's a concrete object (plant). As a verb, it's a metaphorical extension meaning 'to irritate'. The verb often implies persistent, nagging annoyance rather than a single, intense anger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plant is equally known. The verb 'to nettle' is slightly more common in UK English, but used in both varieties. The phrase 'grasp the nettle' (to tackle a difficulty boldly) is strongly British/Commonwealth.
Connotations
In UK English, the plant has stronger folk associations (e.g., nettle tea, 'nettles in May'). The verb connotes a genteel, restrained irritation.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but the noun is more common than the verb. The verb appears more in written texts than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] nettles [Sb] (transitive)[Sb] is nettled by [sth] (passive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “grasp the nettle (BrE)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical sense: 'The quarterly figures nettled the shareholders.'
Academic
Rare in sciences. May appear in literary or historical texts describing flora or metaphorical irritation.
Everyday
Mainly for the plant ('I brushed against a nettle'). The verb is less common in casual chat.
Technical
In botany: 'Urtica dioica'. In medicine: 'urticaria' (nettle rash).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His persistent lateness began to nettle his colleagues.
- She was nettled by the implication she hadn't tried.
American English
- The critic's smug tone really nettled the author.
- He's easily nettled by suggestions his plan is flawed.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Rare/poetic use: 'He said nettlingly.')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The nettle rash was itchy but soon faded.
- They foraged for nettle leaves to make soup.
American English
- A patch of nettle plants grew by the creek.
- She developed a nettle sting after hiking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Don't touch that plant; it's a nettle!
- I have a rash from a nettle.
- We wore long trousers to avoid the stinging nettles.
- His criticism nettled her a little.
- The manager finally decided to grasp the nettle and address the team's poor performance.
- She was nettled by his offhand dismissal of her ideas.
- Politicians are often nettled by satirical portrayals in the media, yet they must appear unruffled.
- The biography's candid assessment of his early failures clearly nettled the ageing statesman.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine NETTLE rhymes with METTLE (courage). It takes 'mettle' (courage) to 'grasp the nettle' (face a problem), or else it will 'nettle' (irritate) you.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANNOYANCE/ANGER IS A PHYSICAL STING/PRICKLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'крапива' (the plant) when the English verb is meant. Translating 'His comment nettled me' as 'Его комментарий был крапивой' is incorrect. Use 'раздражать', 'досаждать'.
- The idiom 'grasp the nettle' has no direct Russian equivalent. Translate conceptually: 'взяться за решение трудной проблемы'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'His words nettled on me.' (Correct: 'His words nettled me.')
- Confusing 'nettle' (verb) with 'needle' (verb) which means to tease or goad.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY metaphorical meaning of the verb 'to nettle'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun for the plant is moderately common, especially in rural contexts. The verb is less common and belongs to a higher vocabulary register (C1).
Not typically as a standalone adjective. It's used in compound nouns like 'nettle rash' or 'nettle soup', where it functions attributively.
'Nettle' suggests a sharper, more prickling, and often more persistent irritation than the more general 'annoy'. It can imply a sting to one's pride.
It is understood but is distinctly British in origin and flavour. An American might say 'bite the bullet' or 'face the music' for a similar idea.