B1verb 1K

Bother

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈbɒðə(r)/","/ˈbɒðəz/","/ˈbɒðəd/","/ˈbɒðərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈbɑːðər/","/ˈbɑːðərz/","/ˈbɑːðərd/","/ˈbɑːðərɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Bother

to spend time and/or energy doing something

In simple words: to trouble or annoy someone

Bother in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Bother

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.

Related words

Collocations with Bother

• don’t bother
• bother someone
• bother with
• bother about
• bother to

Synonyms for Bother

• annoy
• trouble
• disturb
• pester
• irritate

Opposites of Bother

• ignore
• assist
• help

Common mistakes with Bother

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Bother

What does Bother mean?

to trouble or annoy someone

What is the definition of Bother?

to spend time and/or energy doing something

How do you use Bother in a sentence?

I didn't mean to bother you while you were working.

Can you give another example of Bother?

It's nice of you to bother asking me about my day.

What are synonyms for Bother?

Common alternatives include annoy, trouble, disturb, pester, irritate.

What is the opposite of Bother?

Opposite meanings include ignore, assist, help.

What words go with Bother?

It commonly pairs with don’t bother, bother someone, bother with, bother about, bother to.

What are common mistakes when using Bother?

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.

How do you pronounce Bother?

US: /["/ˈbɑːðər/","/ˈbɑːðərz/","/ˈbɑːðərd/","/ˈbɑːðərɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈbɒðə(r)/","/ˈbɒðəz/","/ˈbɒðəd/","/ˈbɒðərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Bother?

Used in everyday conversation to express annoyance or concern. More common in informal situations and may feel too blunt in formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Bother?

"Bother" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.