forbear

/'fɔ:'beə/

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Word: Forbear

Part of Speech: Verb

Basic Meaning: The word "forbear" means to resist or to hold back from doing something. When you forbear, you choose not to do something that you might want to do.

Usage Instructions:

• Forbear is often used when someone stops themselves from acting on an impulse or desire, especially in situations where it might be tempting to react angrily or to express emotions strongly.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: "Even though he was very angry, he decided to forbear and not shout."
2. Advanced Example: "She could not forbear weeping when she heard the sad news."

Word Variants:

• Forbearance (noun): This means the act of refraining from something. For example, "He showed great forbearance by not reacting to the insults."
• Forborne (past participle): This is the past form of forbear. For example, "She had forborne from making any comments during the meeting."

Different Meanings:

While "forbear" primarily means to refrain from doing something, it can also refer to an ancestor or forebear, though this usage is less common. In this context, it means a person from whom you are descended.

Synonyms:

• Refrain
• Abstain
• Desist
• Hold back
• Withhold

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t any specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "forbear," but you might come across phrases that convey similar meanings, such as: - "Bite your tongue" - To refrain from saying something. - "Hold your horses" - To wait or be patient, often used when someone is very eager to act.

Summary:

In summary, "forbear" is a verb that means to resist or hold back from doing something, often in a challenging situation.

Academic

Noun

1. a person from whom you are descended

Verb

1. resist doing something
   • He refrained from hitting him back
   • she could not forbear weeping
2. refrain from doing
   • she forbore a snicker

Synonyms

• forebear
• refrain
• hold back