forbear Definition
- 1politely or patiently restrain an impulse to do something; refrain
- 2an ancestor
Using forbear: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "forbear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I had to forbear from laughing at his joke.
Example
She forbore from making any comment.
Example
He could not forbear to smile at her.
Example
We must forbear from taking action until we have more information.
forbear Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with forbear
an ancestor
Example
My forebears came from Ireland.
patient self-control; restraint and tolerance
Example
The judge showed great forbearance in dealing with the difficult defendant.
patient, tolerant, and understanding
Example
She was a kind and forbearing mother.
Origins of forbear
from Old English 'forberan', meaning 'endure'
Summary: forbear in Brief
'Forbear' [fɔrˈbɛər] means to politely or patiently restrain oneself from doing something. It can also refer to an ancestor. Examples include 'I had to forbear from laughing at his joke.' and 'We must forbear from taking action until we have more information.' Other related terms are 'forebear,' referring to an ancestor, 'forbearance,' meaning patient self-control, and 'forbearing,' meaning patient and tolerant.
