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Bothering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bothering

[ˈbɔːðərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

annoy or disturb

Bothering refers to the act of causing someone to feel troubled or annoyed. It can relate to disturbances in a person's peace, whether through annoying behavior, persistent questioning, or interruptions. This term is often used in informal contexts to describe minor irritations that can lead to frustration. For example, a child might be bothering their parent by asking for attention while they are busy. Overall, it embodies the essence of being a nuisance or causing concern without significant harm.

Synonyms

annoying, disturbing, irritating, pester.

Examples of usage

  • The loud noise is bothering me.
  • Stop bothering your sister while she studies.
  • I don't mean to be bothering you with my questions.
  • He is always bothering his coworkers with trivial matters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'bothering'

The word 'bothering' originates from the verb 'bother,' which has its roots in the late 16th century, primarily in the United Kingdom. It evolved from the dialectal use of 'bother' meaning 'to stir up' or 'to cause trouble.' The etymological pathways trace back to Middle English, where forms of the word were used to imply harassment or inconvenience. Initially, 'bother' was less specific in meaning, but by the 19th century, it had come to signify annoyance, often in a mild context. Throughout the 20th century, 'bothering' became popular in everyday language, frequently used in informal discussions about interpersonal interactions, especially in family and social settings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,541, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.