bother

[ˈbɒðə]

bother Definition

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

Synonyms for bother

• trouble
• inconvenience
• annoy
• irritate
• disturb

Antonyms for bother

• please
• delight

Idioms Using bother

• a spot of bother

  a difficult or troublesome situation

  Example

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

• not to bother

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

  Example

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

• bother the life out of

  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.

• bother oneself

  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.