Bothersome: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：annoying (bothersome)

bothersome 🔊

/ˈbɑː.ðɚ.səm/

adj.

Something that is bothersome causes you a little trouble or makes you feel slightly annoyed.

annoying 🔊

➕

/əˈnɔɪ.ɪŋ/

adj.

Causing slight trouble or irritation; something that is a minor nuisance.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Bother (to disturb) + -some (causing), meaning 'causing trouble or annoyance'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'bother' + 'some' = something that 'bothers' you a bit. Imagine a fly buzzing: it's bothersome because it's annoying but not harmful.

📖 Example

The constant buzzing of mosquitoes on summer nights is so bothersome that it keeps me from falling asleep. 🔊 The constant buzzing of mosquitoes on summer nights is so bothersome that it keeps me from falling asleep.

🔗 Collocations

bothersome noise – a noise that is annoying and disruptive

bothersome issue – a problem that causes minor trouble

bothersome habit – a recurring behavior that is irritating

🔄 Synonyms

annoying (adj.) – causing slight anger or irritation

irritating (adj.) – causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger

troublesome (adj.) – causing difficulty or annoyance

🚫 Antonyms

pleasant (adj.) – giving a sense of happy satisfaction and enjoyment

agreeable (adj.) – pleasant and enjoyable

welcome (adj.) – giving pleasure or satisfaction; gladly received

🌱 Derivatives

bother (v.) – to cause trouble or annoyance

botheration (n.) – the state of being bothered; annoyance

📖 Cultural Story

'Bothersome' derives from 'bother', first recorded in the 18th century. Its origin is uncertain; perhaps from Irish 'bodhar' (deaf) or a variant of 'pother' (disturbance). Commonly used to describe minor irritants.