forbore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “forbore” mean?
To stop oneself from doing or saying something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stop oneself from doing or saying something; to refrain.
To control one's natural impulses, urges, or reactions, often out of respect, patience, or restraint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. Both varieties treat it as literary/formal.
Connotations
Old-fashioned, somewhat archaic, used for deliberate stylistic effect.
Frequency
Extremely rare in spontaneous spoken language in both varieties. Slightly more likely in historical or legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “forbore” in a Sentence
[Subject] + forbore + from + [verb]-ing[Subject] + forbore + to + [infinitive verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forbore” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She forbore from pointing out his mistake, choosing politeness over honesty.
- He forbore to comment on the extravagant cost of the renovation.
American English
- She forbore to ask the obvious question, sensing his discomfort.
- He forbore from responding to the inflammatory email.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; formal contexts might use 'declined to comment' or 'chose not to'.
Academic
Rare; used in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forbore”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forbore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forbore”
- Using 'forbore' instead of 'forbear' as base form (base form is 'forbear', past is 'forbore', past participle is 'forborne').
- Misspelling as 'forborn'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English and belongs to a formal or literary register.
'Forbore' is the past tense of 'forbear' (to refrain). 'Forbad/forbade' is the past tense of 'forbid' (to prohibit).
Use it with 'to + infinitive' or 'from + -ing' verb form: 'He forbore to interrupt' or 'He forbore from interrupting.'
Yes, 'forborne' is the past participle: 'He has forborne from taking action for years.' It is even rarer than 'forbore'.
To stop oneself from doing or saying something.
Forbore is usually formal, literary in register.
Forbore: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈbɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔrˈbɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bit one's tongue (less formal equivalent for speech).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "FOR (a) BEAR to forbear is to hold back its claws." 'Forbore' is the past action of that bear holding back.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER (holding back, stemming the tide).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct past tense of the literary verb 'forbear'?