Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/fɔːrˈbɛə.rəns/

Definitions

• Noun: The act of refraining from acting or responding, especially when provoked or when one has the right to act.
• Noun: The quality of being patient and not easily angered or upset, often showing restraint in difficult situations.
• Noun: The ability or willingness to wait or to tolerate delay, difficulty, or discomfort without complaint.

Usage Examples

• His forbearance in the face of criticism was admirable.
• The teacher showed great forbearance when dealing with the disruptive students.
• She exercised forbearance and waited patiently for her turn.
• Despite the long delay, he showed incredible forbearance and did not lose his temper.

Etymology

The word "forbearance" originates from the Middle English term "forberen," meaning "to refrain," which comes from Old English "forberan" (to bear, endure). The term is made up of "for-" (meaning "away" or "before") and "beran" (meaning "to bear"). Over time, "forbearance" has evolved to refer to the action of exercising restraint or patience in the face of difficulty or provocation.

Synonyms

• Patience
• Restraint
• Tolerance
• Self-control
• Endurance
• Forbear
• Composure

Antonyms

• Impatience
• Intolerance
• Indulgence
• Reactiveness
• Impetuosity

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In general, the pronunciation of "forbearance" remains consistent across various English dialects, though regional accents may affect vowel sounds. Some may pronounce it with a more relaxed "a" sound, like /fɔːrˈbeə.rəns/ in British English, while others might emphasize the second syllable more in American English as /fɔːrˈbeə.rəns/. In more formal contexts, it is pronounced with clearer enunciation of each syllable.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "forbearance" was used in both legal and religious contexts to describe the act of refraining from taking action against a wrongdoing. It implied a moral decision to show mercy or patience, particularly when one was entitled to act otherwise. Over time, the word's usage expanded to general situations requiring patience or self-control.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, "forbearance" holds significant value as a moral virtue. It is often viewed as a sign of maturity, wisdom, and self-control. In some cultures, the act of showing forbearance is seen as crucial in maintaining harmony and peace, especially in family, social, and community settings. The ability to forbear is sometimes considered a form of personal strength, as it requires emotional resilience in the face of provocation or hardship.

More Information

The word "forbearance" is essential in discussions about patience, self-restraint, and moral fortitude. It emphasizes the importance of exercising tolerance in situations that test one’s patience. The concept is applied not only in personal relationships but also in broader societal and professional contexts, where showing forbearance can help resolve conflicts and avoid unnecessary escalation. Whether in legal matters or everyday life, forbearance remains a fundamental principle of conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.