Cool MateBother
UK /["/ˈbɒðə(r)/","/ˈbɒðəz/","/ˈbɒðəd/","/ˈbɒðərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈbɑːðər/","/ˈbɑːðərz/","/ˈbɑːðərd/","/ˈbɑːðərɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to spend time and/or energy doing something
In simple words: to trouble or annoy someone
Examples
- I didn't mean to bother you while you were working.
- It's nice of you to bother asking me about my day.
- Please don't bother the baby; she is sleeping.
- Do you think it's too much to bother him for help?
- I often bother my friends with my endless questions.
Usage notes
Used in everyday conversation to express annoyance or concern. More common in informal situations and may feel too blunt in formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
bother + object
Memory hint
Think of 'bother' like 'both-er' — someone who annoys both people in a conversation.
Collocations
- don’t bother
- bother someone
- bother with
- bother about
- bother to
Synonyms
- annoy
- trouble
- disturb
- pester
- irritate
Antonyms
- ignore
- assist
- help
Common mistakes
- Using 'bother' without an object, e.g., 'He bothers' instead of 'He bothers me.'
- Confusing 'bother' with 'disturb' which has a stronger connotation.
- Wrongly using 'bother' in positive contexts, like saying 'I don't want to bother you' when wanting to engage.