bother

[ˈbɒðə]

bother Definition

  • 1take the trouble to do something
  • 2cause someone concern or worry
  • 3annoy or cause inconvenience to someone

Using bother: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bother" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I didn't want to bother him with my problems.

  • Example

    Don't bother about me, I can manage.

  • Example

    The noise from the construction site is bothering me.

  • Example

    It bothers me that he never says thank you.

bother Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for bother

Idioms Using bother

  • a difficult or troublesome situation

    Example

    We're having a bit of a spot of bother with the new software.

  • used to tell someone that they do not need to do something

    Example

    Not to bother, I'll take care of it myself.

  • annoy someone greatly

    Example

    His constant complaining was bothering the life out of me.

Phrases with bother

  • can't be bothered

    used to indicate that someone is unwilling to make the effort to do something

    Example

    I can't be bothered to go out tonight.

  • take the trouble to do something

    Example

    She didn't even bother herself to reply to my message.

  • bother one's head about

    worry about something that is not important

    Example

    Don't bother your head about what he said.

Origins of bother

from Middle English 'botheren', meaning 'to confuse'

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Summary: bother in Brief

The verb 'bother' [ˈbɒðə] means to take the trouble to do something, cause concern or worry, or annoy someone. It can be used in phrases like 'can't be bothered,' indicating unwillingness, and 'bother oneself,' indicating effort. Idioms include 'a spot of bother,' referring to a difficult situation, and 'bother the life out of,' meaning to annoy greatly.

How do native speakers use this expression?