bother
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to annoy someone or interrupt what they are doing.
v.to annoy, irritate, or disturb the peace of someone. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“I am sorry to bother you, but do you have a moment to talk?”
In context“The constant noise from the construction site next door began to bother the residents, making it impossible for them to concentrate on their work.”
UsageOften used in the negative to show politeness, such as 'I'm sorry to bother you'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to spend time or energy doing something, especially when it seems unnecessary.
v.to exert effort or take the trouble to perform an action. Often used in negative or interrogative constructions.
Simple“It was raining so hard that he didn't bother to go for a run.”
In context“Many eligible voters didn't even bother registering for the local elections, citing a general lack of faith in the political candidates.”
UsageCan be followed by an infinitive or a gerund with little change in meaning.
PitfallHe didn't bother to calling me. He didn't bother to call me.After 'bother', use the infinitive ('to call') or the -ing form ('calling'), but do not mix them.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a situation that causes a small problem or requires extra effort.
n.a state of minor trouble, inconvenience, or fuss.
Simple“I'm sorry for the bother, but could you help me move this table?”
In context“The airline apologised for the bother caused by the flight delay, offering passengers vouchers for a complimentary meal in the terminal.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'a bit of bother'.
Teacher's tipIn British English, this is frequently used as a light understatement for a more serious problem.
SynonymsAntonyms
Borrowed from Scots bauther, bather (“to bother”). Origin unknown. Perhaps related to Scots pother (“to make a stir or commotion, bustle”), also of unknown origin. Compare English pother (“to poke, prod”), variant of potter (“to poke”). More at potter. Perhaps related to Irish bodhaire (“noise”), Irish bodhraim (“to deafen, annoy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.