Language Research

bother · verb

/ˈbɑð.ər/Full view

bother (ANNOY)

A2 T to annoy or cause problems for someone

Dictionary examples:

I'm sorry to bother you, but could you direct me to the station?

I didn't want to bother her about/with work on her day off.

Learner example:

Carol, I'm sorry to bother you but I forgot my note book [in] your bedroom last night. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

bother (WORRY)

B2 T to make someone feel worried or upset

Dictionary examples:

Does it bother you that he's out so much of the time?

It bothers me that he doesn't seem to notice.

Living on my own has never bothered me.

I don't care if he doesn't come - it doesn't bother me.

Learner example:

Then I want to mention that there is one thing that bothers me a lot. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

bother (MAKE AN EFFORT)

B2 I or T to make the effort to do something

Dictionary examples:

He hasn't even bothered to write.

Don't bother making the bed - I'll do it later.

You'd have found it if you'd bothered looking.

You won't get any credit for doing it, so why bother?

Learner example:

TV is entertaining, and it's all digested for you: you don't need to bother thinking after a long day's work. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

can't be bothered

B2 If you can't be bothered to do something, you are too lazy or tired to do it or think it is not important.

Dictionary example:

I can't be bothered to iron my clothes.

Learner example:

It woke me up but I didn't answer it, [I] couldn't be bothered. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)