forbearing
for-BAIR-ing
/fɔːˈbeərɪŋ/
Patient and restrained in the face of provocation, annoyance, or delay.
Implies deliberate self-control and choosing not to retaliate or complain despite having valid cause.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old English 'foreberan', combining 'for-' (expressing prohibition or restraint) with 'beran' (to carry or sustain). Historically, it meant holding oneself back from taking vengeance or acting on anger when harmed.
Word relationships
- patient: Patient is general, whereas forbearing specifically emphasizes withholding anger or punishment.
- tolerant: Tolerant implies openness to differences; forbearing implies restraint when personally provoked.
- impatient: Shows lack of tolerance or willingness to wait.
- vindictive: Actively seeks revenge rather than showing merciful restraint.
Commonly confused with
- foreboding: Foreboding means a feeling that something bad will happen, while forbearing means patient self-restraint.
Word family
- forbear (verb): To refrain or abstain from doing something.
- forbearance (noun): Patient self-control or restraint.
Collocations
- forbearing attitude
- forbearing nature
- always forbearing
- remarkably forbearing
Idioms & expressions
- exercise forbearing patience
- bear with someone
Example sentences
- "Despite the repeated interruptions from the frustrated client, the manager remained forbearing and calm." Professional management
- "Be patient and forbearing with one another, forgiving each other whenever any of you has a grievance." Biblical literature
Memory hook
Think of 'FOR-BEARING' as 'bearing forward a heavy load without dropping your temper'. Bear the burden without biting back.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who is simply indifferent or unaware of an offense.
Fun facts
- In financial law, 'forbearance' means a lender temporarily delaying foreclosure or legal action against a debtor.
Related words
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