Bother

Definition

Bother is used as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to annoy, disturb, or cause inconvenience to someone. As a noun, it refers to a source of annoyance or trouble, or a state of worry or difficulty.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɑðər/
• Respelling: BAH-thər

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɒðə/
• Respelling: BAW-thə

Etymology

The word "bother" likely originates from the Irish "bodhar," meaning "noisy" or "troublesome," or from the Old English "bothrien" (to annoy or vex). The term appeared in English in the early 18th century, carrying meanings related to disturbance and inconvenience.

Derivatives

• Bothersome (adjective)
• Unbothered (adjective)
• Botheration (noun, informal)
• Bothered (adjective)
• Bothering (verb)

Synonyms

• Annoy
• Disturb
• Irritate

Antonyms

• Calm
• Comfort
• Soothe

Usage

The term "bother" is frequently used to describe actions or situations that cause annoyance, frustration, or inconvenience. For example, "Don’t bother him while he’s working," or "It’s not worth the bother to fix the broken clock."

Related Terms

• Annoyance: A feeling of mild irritation.
• Disturbance: An interruption that interferes with regular activity or calm.
• Irritation: The state of being irritated or annoyed.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To annoy or disturb: Refers to actions that cause irritation or trouble to someone.
  • Example: "The loud noise began to bother her."
• To take the trouble to do something: Often used in a negative form to express that it is not worth the effort.
  • Example: "Don’t bother locking the door, we’ll be back soon."

Noun

• An annoyance or source of difficulty: Refers to something that causes trouble or inconvenience.
  • Example: "Fixing the old computer isn’t worth the bother."
• A state of worry or frustration: Describes a feeling of being troubled or annoyed by a situation.
  • Example: "He didn’t want to cause his family any bother."