B1 verb
bother
/ˈbɒðə/
- Meaning
- to annoy or disturb someone; to make an effort
- Example
- "Sorry to bother you — could I ask a quick question?"
- Similar & related words
- disturbannoytroublebotheringbothersome
- How to use it
- As a verb, "bother" carries the action of the sentence. Practice it in three forms — a fact about yourself, a question, and a negative — for example, turn the example sentence above into your own situation.
- Common mistake
- 'Can't be bothered' means unwilling to make effort — 'I can't be bothered to cook tonight'. Don't confuse with 'don't bother' = don't trouble yourself.