Bother Meaning and Definition
Bother
Pronunciation
/ˈbɒðər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A problem, annoyance, or disturbance that causes inconvenience or annoyance, often due to petty or insignificant matters.
Examples
- The constant noise from the construction site was a bother to my work.
- The leaky faucet was a bother, but easy to fix.
Synonyms
- Trifle
- Pesty
Antonyms
- Relief
- Pleasure
Etymology
The word “Bother” originated in the 15th century from the Old English word “bothor”, meaning “trouble” or “disturbance”. It has been used in various forms over the centuries, evolving into the modern English word we use today.
Usage Notes
When using the word “Bother”, consider the context to avoid minimizing someone’s worries or complaining by labeling their concerns as petty or insignificant. Instead, use it to describe a minor, yet annoying issue that causes inconvenience.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “Bother” has been used in various contexts, including books, movies, TV shows, and music. Examples include the iconic 1960s animated series “The Jetsons”, where the character Rosie the Robot would often say “Oh, bother!” when frustrated.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Examples of idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “Bother” include “Bother and fuss”, meaning to make a lot of fuss over something trivial, and “Bother you a bit”, meaning to cause a slight annoyance.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage to “Bother” include “Trouble”, “Disturbance”, and “Pests”.
Collocations
Common word combinations with “Bother” include “such a bother”, “not a bother”, and “be a bother”.
Frequency of Use
The word “Bother” is a relatively common word in modern English, used in a wide range of contexts to describe minor, yet annoying issues.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “Bother” include “Buther”, “Bothyr”, and “Boter”.