to bother

Examples

• All

• In fact, most artists did not bother to sign their works at all.

  Academic text (2012)

• Don't bother, kid.

  The Month of August (2002)

• Should you even bother trying with this man?

  Stephan Speaks

• - Sorry to bother you, Grace.

  Ezra (2024)

• Look, I'm sorry to bother you, I need to use your phone.

  Bloodletting (1997)

• Don't bother trying to guess.

  The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

• If you don't come in Saturday, don't bother coming in Sunday.

  Air (2023)

• Whatever you're doing, don't bother.

  Joey & Rex Save the Church (2022)

• I don't want to bother you, but could you help me with this task?

• It's not worth your time to bother if it's going to take so long.

Synonyms

T

to trouble

vsto bother

38 3.5

To make the effort to do something, often when inconvenient

focuses on trying when not strictly necessary or when inconvenient

T

to trouble oneself

vsto bother

8 5.6

To make an extra effort to do something when it is not necessary

highlights effort that may be inconvenient rather than voluntary courtesy

I

to inconvenience oneself

vsto bother

7.1

To do something that causes you trouble to help someone

describes effort too, but without focusing on personal discomfort

Antonyms

I

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

Idioms

I

in a spot of bother

• UK

1 8.6

A small problem that causes worry and needs help

Phrasal Verbs

B

to bother me

449 2.0

To disturb or interrupt someone and make them feel annoyed

Compounds

S

spot of bother

• UK

2 4.8

A small problem that causes some trouble

How Willing

to go out of one's way

• Informal

53 3.5

to bother

∞ 2.4

to try

∞ 1.0

to hesitate

318 2.5

to refuse

716 1.7

Surface Forms

Etymology