forbear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “forbear” mean?
To refrain or hold oneself back from doing something, especially with patience and self-control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To refrain or hold oneself back from doing something, especially with patience and self-control.
To abstain from saying or doing something that one could rightfully do, often out of consideration, duty, or tolerance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is used in both varieties but is considered quite formal and somewhat archaic in both. The spelling is consistent; no '-or' vs '-our' distinction applies. The British pronunciation may be slightly more common in traditional or literary contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of dignified restraint, patience, or old-fashioned virtue. In American English, it can sound particularly legalistic or biblical.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary speech in both varieties. More likely encountered in formal writing, legal documents, religious texts, or classic literature.
Grammar
How to Use “forbear” in a Sentence
[NP] forbear from [V-ing] (He forbore from criticizing.)[NP] forbear to [INF] (I forbear to mention it.)[NP] forbear ([NP]) (She could barely forbear.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forbear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He felt provoked but forbore from making a sharp reply.
- I must ask you to forbear discussing the matter in public.
- She could not forbear a sigh of relief.
American English
- The company agreed to forbear from calling in the loan for six months.
- I will forbear to list all the reasons why this failed.
- He forbore, showing remarkable patience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal negotiations: 'We agreed to forbear from legal action for 30 days.'
Academic
Found in historical, philosophical, or theological texts discussing patience, tolerance, or moral restraint.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Would sound deliberately old-fashioned or humorous.
Technical
Used in law, particularly in 'forbearance,' meaning a creditor's intentional delay in collecting a debt.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forbear”
- Misspelling as 'forebear' when the verb is intended.
- Using it in casual contexts where 'not do' or 'avoid' would be natural.
- Incorrect preposition: 'forbear of' instead of 'forbear from'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal and somewhat old-fashioned. It is mostly found in legal contexts (forbearance) or classic literature.
'Forbear' (verb) means to refrain or hold back. 'Forebear' (noun) means an ancestor. They are different words with different pronunciations and meanings.
It most commonly takes 'from' followed by an '-ing' form (forbear from doing). It can also be followed directly by a 'to'-infinitive (forbear to do).
Yes, but specifically in the legal/financial term 'forbearance,' which is an agreement by a lender to temporarily delay enforcing repayment of a loan.
To refrain or hold oneself back from doing something, especially with patience and self-control.
Forbear is usually formal, literary in register.
Forbear: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈbeə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈber/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “forbear the tongue”
- “to bear and forbear (proverbial)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To FORBEAR is to BEAR (endure) and hold back BEFORE you act. It's like putting a BEAR (the animal) in a cage to stop it from doing something.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS PHYSICAL HOLDING BACK (e.g., 'hold back', 'keep in check'). PATIENCE IS A CONTAINER (not letting emotions overflow).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'forbear' correctly?