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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Bother: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：interrupt or trouble (bother)

bother 🔊

/ˈbɒðə(r)/

To interrupt someone or cause them slight trouble, often when they are busy or concentrating.

Bother meaning illustrated: person being interrupted while working on laptop.

interrupt or trouble 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈtɜːrʌpt ɔː ˈtrʌbəl/

To cause slight annoyance or disturbance to someone, especially when they are focused or busy.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Irish 'bodhar' meaning deaf, implying to cause annoyance.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'BOther' sounds like 'BOthering' someone is Being OTherly troublesome.

📖 Example

My little brother keeps bothering me with questions while I'm trying to finish my homework. 🔊 My little brother keeps bothering me with questions while I'm trying to finish my homework.

🔗 Collocations

bother someone – to cause trouble or annoyance to someone

not bother to do something – to not make the effort to do something

keep bothering – to continuously interrupt or annoy

🔄 Synonyms

annoy (v.) – to cause slight anger or irritation

disturb (v.) – to interrupt the quiet, rest, or peace of

pester (v.) – to trouble or annoy someone with frequent requests

🚫 Antonyms

assist (v.) – to help or support someone

ignore (v.) – to pay no attention to someone or something

🌱 Derivatives

bothersome (adj.) – causing annoyance or trouble

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Irish Gaelic 'bodhar' (deaf or confused). Entered English in the 18th century to describe causing minor trouble or worry.

Meaning 2：worry or concern (bother)

bother 🔊

/ˈbɒðə(r)/

To feel worried, upset, or concerned about something; to let something trouble your mind.

Bother as worry: person looking concerned at a busy calendar.

worry or concern 🔊

➕

/ˈwʌri ɔː kənˈsɜːn/

To feel anxious, upset, or troubled about something; to have something weigh on your mind.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

It really bothers me when I can't find a perfect gift for my best friend's birthday. 🔊 It really bothers me when I can't find a perfect gift for my best friend's birthday.

🔗 Collocations

bother about something – to worry or be concerned about something

it bothers me that – expressing that something causes worry or upset

don't bother yourself – advising someone not to worry or trouble themselves

🔄 Synonyms

worry (v.) – to feel anxious or concerned about something

concern (v.) – to cause someone to feel anxious or troubled

trouble (v.) – to cause distress or worry to someone

🚫 Antonyms

relax (v.) – to become less anxious or worried

comfort (v.) – to soothe or reassure someone

🌱 Derivatives

botheration (n.) – a state of being bothered or worried