ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bothered

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbɑðɝd// UK //bˈɒðəd// both·ered

v. to make the effort to do something. You usually use this in negative sentences when you feel too lazy or tired to act.

v. to make a conscious effort to perform an action. Frequently used in the negative or interrogative to indicate a lack of motivation or perceived necessity.


SIMPLE

I was so tired that I never bothered to cook dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

He didn't even bother to call and say he would be late for the meeting.

COMPLEX

While some critics argued the film required a deep analysis of its themes, most audiences never bothered to look past the flashy special effects.

Synonyms
Usage

Often followed by the 'to' infinitive or an '-ing' form; commonly used in the negative ('didn't bother').

Pitfall

I didn't bother for calling himI didn't bother to call himBothered is followed by an infinitive or gerund, not the preposition 'for'.

Idioms1 entry

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