English vocabulary · C1
Ado
/əˈduː/ · n.
Ado is a lot of talk and action over a small thing. People make it seem much bigger than it is, so good work has to wait.
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Example sentences
- Their loud ado delayed dinner.
- Without further ado, the show began.
Word origin and roots
from Middle English
- at — to (from Middle English)
- do — do (from Middle English)
Synonyms and nuances
- FUSS — too much worry (Small Concerns)
- STIR — busy public attention (Public Excitement)
- COMMOTION — noisy busy movement (Sudden Noise)
Similar words
- fuss
- stir
- commotion
- bustle
- trouble
Lesson notes
Ado is a lot of talk and action over a small thing. People make it seem much bigger than it is, so good work has to wait.
Related: fuss, stir, commotion. Use ado when fuss delays action.
Their loud ado delayed dinner. Without further ado, the show began.
From Middle English. At- means to. Do- means do. At do became ado: too much to do first.