Bother - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

Bother means to annoy, worry, or cause trouble for someone, like a little brother constantly pestering you. It's something that disrupts your peace or causes you irritation. Think of it as a small pebble in your shoe that you can't ignore. It can range from a minor inconvenience to a major problem. It's not as strong as anger, but it's definitely something you'd rather avoid. So, if something is bothering you, it's likely causing you some degree of distress.

Etymology

The origin of "bother" is uncertain, but it may be related to the Irish word "bodhraim," meaning "to deafen." This suggests an early connection to the idea of being disturbed or overwhelmed by something. The word has been used since the 18th century to describe something that causes annoyance or trouble. It's a word that captures the feeling of mild irritation.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The constant noise began to bother her."
  • "Don't bother me when I'm trying to concentrate."
  • "It bothers me that he didn't call."
  • "The mosquito bite started to bother him."

Anecdote / Story

Remember in 'Mean Girls' when Regina George constantly tries to bother Cady Heron? It's a classic example of someone deliberately causing annoyance. Think about how in 'The Office,' Dwight Schrute often bothers his coworkers with his strange behavior. It's all about the small, irritating things that disrupt our peace.

Encouragement

Try not to let small things bother you! Focus on what's important and learn to let go of minor annoyances. What can you do to minimize the things that bother you? 🤔🧘

🚀 Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

✅ Daily word delivery ✅ Etymology & examples ✅ Interactive learning ✅ 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
📱 Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial