bother

Everyday

1. To bother someone is to annoy them or interrupt them: «Don't bother me while I'm reading.» tree →
2. If something bothers you, it worries or upsets you. tree →
3. To bother (to do something) is to make the effort: «He didn't bother to wash his hands.» tree →
4. Bother is trouble or effort: «It's no bother.» tree →
5. «Bother!» is a mild old-fashioned word said when something goes wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners: «Sorry to bother you, but…» is a polite way to start asking an adult for help; «It's no bother» is a polite answer. In feelings lessons, «What's bothering you?» invites someone to share a worry. Safety: if anything online or anyone bothers you, tell a trusted adult. Phrases: «sorry to bother you», «no bother», «can't be bothered», «don't bother».

Examples

• Sorry to bother you, but where is the library? tree →
• Please don't bother the dog while it's eating. tree →
• What's bothering you? You look sad. tree →
• The noise didn't bother me. tree →
• He didn't even bother to say thank you. tree →
• «Thanks for helping!» «It's no bother.» tree →
• I can't be bothered to tidy my room. tree →
• Oh, bother! I forgot my lunchbox. tree →
• "Do not bother me," said the potter. tree →

Note

Past: bothered. Pattern: «bother to do» or «bother doing». «Can't be bothered» (UK/Aus/NZ) is informal and sounds lazy. If someone keeps bothering you after you say stop, that may be bullying — tell an adult. Winnie-the-Pooh often says «Oh, bother!»