Forbear: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
forbear
[ fษrหbษr ]
patiently refraining from
To refrain from; to abstain from; to be patient or tolerant in the face of provocation.
Synonyms
abstain, endure, refrain, tolerate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forbear |
This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to suggest patient self-control and restraint. It implies deliberately avoiding doing something despite having the power or desire to do it.
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| refrain |
Often used to indicate a deliberate choice to avoid doing something, usually because it is advised or meditated in a specific situation. It can imply self-control but not necessarily in a formal sense.
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| abstain |
Use this word when someone is choosing not to do something, particularly related to consumption or participation, often for health, ethical, or personal reasons.
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| tolerate |
This word is used to mean accepting something that is unpleasant or annoying without complaining, often indicating a higher degree of endurance and patience.
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| endure |
This word is appropriate when someone is going through a difficult or painful experience over a period of time without giving up.
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Examples of usage
- He could scarcely forbear to smile.
- She could not forbear expressing her anger.
- They had to forbear from making any comments.
- We must forbear judgment until we have all the facts.
- I could not forbear from asking him a question.
an ancestor
An ancestor; a forefather.
Synonyms
ancestor, forefather, predecessor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| forbear |
A person from whom one is descended, usually referring to a distant, more ancient relative. Often used in historical or genealogical contexts.
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| ancestor |
A person from whom one is descended, usually referring to someone from several generations back. Commonly used when talking about family history or lineage.
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| forefather |
A male ancestor, typically one who lived a long time ago. This word often has a connotation of respect and honor, usually used when discussing history or heritage.
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| predecessor |
A person who held a job or position before someone else. It is often used in professional or organizational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He is the forbear of the family.
- She comes from a long line of forbears.
Translations
Translations of the word "forbear" in other languages:
๐ต๐น abster-se
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคเคฏเคฎ เคฐเคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช sich enthalten
๐ฎ๐ฉ menahan diri
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะธะผัะฒะฐัะธัั
๐ต๐ฑ powstrzymywaฤ siฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๆงใใ
๐ซ๐ท s'abstenir
๐ช๐ธ abstenerse
๐น๐ท sakฤฑnmak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐธ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุงู ุชูุงุน
๐จ๐ฟ zdrลพet se
๐ธ๐ฐ zdrลพaลฅ sa
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ๅถ
๐ธ๐ฎ vzdrลพati se
๐ฎ๐ธ halda aftur af sรฉr
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำฉะทัะฝ าฑััะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แจแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รถzรผnรผ saxlamaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ abstenerse
Etymology
The word 'forbear' originated from Middle English 'forberen', which meant to endure, abstain from, or refrain from. It is derived from the combination of 'for-' meaning completely or intensely, and 'beren' meaning to bear or carry. Over time, the meaning of 'forbear' evolved to include the sense of patience or tolerance in the face of provocation. The noun form of 'forbear' to mean an ancestor or forefather developed later, referring to those who came before us in a family line.
See also: bear, bearable, beard, bearer, bearers, bearing, bearish, forbearance, forbearing, forebear, forebears, overbearing, unbearable, unbearably.