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Dictionary: Bore

Bore

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

bore | /bɔːr/

Definitions

  1. Verb: To make (someone) feel weary and uninterested by being dull or repetitive.
  2. Verb: To drill or hollow out (a material or space), typically with a rotating tool.
  3. Noun: A person or thing that causes boredom.
  4. Noun: A deep, narrow hole or passage made by drilling.

Usage Examples

  • The lecturer's monotone voice began to bore the students.
  • The carpenter bored a hole in the wood to insert the nail.
  • His long-winded explanations made him a bore at parties.
  • The engineer designed a bore through the mountain to create a tunnel.

Etymology

The word "bore" comes from the Old French "borer" (to drill), from the Latin "borare" (to drill, to bore). The use of "bore" to describe a tedious or tiresome person emerged in the early 18th century, drawing on the sense of something repetitive or monotonous.

Synonyms

  • Verb: Tire, Weary, Irritate, Annoy
  • Noun: Dullard, Drudge, Tedious Person

Antonyms

  • Verb: Amuse, Entertain, Excite
  • Noun: Engaging, Entertaining Person

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Aburrir /aβuˈrir/
French Ennuyer /ɑ̃nɥije/
German Langweilen /ˈlaŋˌvaɪlən/
Chinese (Simplified) 使厌烦 /shǐ yànfán/
Hindi उबाऊ /ubāʊ/
Italian Annoiare /anˈnɔːjare/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • USA: /bɔːr/
  • UK: /bɔːr/
  • India: /bɔːr/

Historical Usage

The verb "bore" in the sense of causing boredom has been in use since the early 17th century. The noun "bore" meaning a tedious person emerged in the 18th century, and its use expanded in the 19th century to encompass a variety of situations where something becomes tiresome or monotonous. The concept of "boring" has also been associated with physical drilling, such as the process of creating holes in wood, rock, or metal, which dates back to ancient tool-making techniques.

Cultural Nuances

The term "bore" is widely used in both casual and formal contexts to refer to something or someone that causes boredom. In certain cultural contexts, a "bore" is often viewed as socially uninteresting or lacking the ability to engage an audience, whether in a conversation or other social settings. The perception of being "boring" can carry a negative stigma, and it is commonly considered a social faux pas to be labeled as such.

More Information

The term "bore" has versatile meanings, from describing a tedious person to a mechanical process. The process of boring, particularly in reference to drilling or hollowing, is essential in many industries, from construction to engineering, where creating passageways or holes is often required for practical purposes. In contrast, the figurative use of "bore" to describe someone who causes tedium reflects human social interactions and the universal need for stimulation and engagement.

In literature and colloquial speech, the term "bore" is frequently employed to express frustration or displeasure with repetitive or dull activities. It underscores the human tendency to seek novelty and engagement in experiences and conversations. Despite its negative connotations, the concept of being "boring" is an intrinsic part of understanding human preferences and social dynamics.

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