Forbearance: meaning, definitions and examples

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forbearance

 

[ fɔːˈbɛərəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in financial context

Forbearance is a temporary postponement of loan payments agreed upon between the borrower and the lender. It allows the borrower to catch up on missed payments without facing foreclosure.

Synonyms

postponement, reprieve, respite

Examples of usage

  • The bank offered forbearance to the homeowner who was struggling to make mortgage payments due to a sudden job loss.
  • During the economic crisis, many lenders provided forbearance options to help borrowers facing financial difficulties.
Context #2 | Noun

in personal relationships

Forbearance is the act of patiently enduring or tolerating a challenging situation or person without becoming angry or upset. It involves self-restraint and control over one's emotions.

Synonyms

patience, self-control, tolerance

Examples of usage

  • Despite his rude behavior, she showed great forbearance and remained calm.
  • The teacher demonstrated forbearance towards the disruptive student, hoping to encourage better behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "forbearance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paciência

🇮🇳 धैर्य

🇩🇪 Geduld

🇮🇩 kesabaran

🇺🇦 терпіння

🇵🇱 cierpliwość

🇯🇵 忍耐 (にんたい)

🇫🇷 patience

🇪🇸 paciencia

🇹🇷 sabır

🇰🇷 인내 (innae)

🇸🇦 صبر

🇨🇿 trpělivost

🇸🇰 trpezlivosť

🇨🇳 忍耐 (rěnnài)

🇸🇮 potrpežljivost

🇮🇸 þolinmæði

🇰🇿 шыдамдылық

🇬🇪 შემწყნარებლობა (shemts'qnarebloba)

🇦🇿 səbr

🇲🇽 paciencia

Etymology

The word 'forbearance' originated from the Middle English word 'forberance', which came from the Old French 'forberance'. The prefix 'for-' means 'completely' or 'thoroughly', while 'berance' comes from the Latin 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'. Therefore, 'forbearance' essentially means 'complete bearing' or 'enduring'. The concept of forbearance has been valued across cultures and is often associated with virtues such as patience, tolerance, and self-control.

See also: bear, bearable, beard, bearer, bearers, bearing, bearish, forbear, forbearing, forebear, forebears, overbearing, unbearable, unbearably.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,892, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.