bore - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
bore Word Meanings
- feeling weary and impatient from lack of interest
- to make someone feel uninterested
- to drill a hole in something
bore Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
bore Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bɔː/
US
/bɔr/
bore Word Etymology
bore = drill + -ed (past participle); Origin: Old English 'borian' meaning to 'drill or pierce' → Middle English → Modern English; Imagine a drill boring a hole through wood, creating an empty space that represents boredom.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Bore is a versatile verb with three core senses. First, to bore means to drill a hole into something, as in The carpenter will bore a hole in the plank. Second, to bore someone means to make them feel uninterested or tired, as in The long lecture bored the audience. Third, the verb is commonly used in contexts about dull things, though we typically use boring for the thing and bored for the person. The noun form a bore describes a dull person. Learners often confuse bore with bored or boring and mix up the drill sense with the emotional sense. Context usually makes the intended meaning clear.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: bore as drill, bore as annoy, adjective form is rare; use boring or bored instead; watch for noun a bore; avoid mixing senses; rely on context.
- Mind the pronunciation: /bɔːr/ (US /bɔːr/).
Common Misconceptions
- Bore always refers to being bored rather than drilling.
- Bored and boring can replace bore in all situations.
- A bore is only a person, never a thing.
- The drill sense is the same as the emotional sense.
- Bore as an adjective is common in modern English.
Thinking Differences
English tends to distinguish bore as a physical action (drilling) from the emotional sense (being bored) through clear verb forms and the related adjectives boring and bored.
Learning Tips
- Practice drilling verbs with tools and materials.
- Write sentences that switch between bore (drill) and bore (bore someone).
- Remember the noun a bore refers to a dull person.
- Differentiate boring (adjective) from bored (past participle / adjective).
- Use context to determine which sense is intended.
- Listen for collocations: bore a hole, bore the audience.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'bore'?
A.To create holes in something
B.To make someone feel uninterested
C.To eat food quickly
D.To sing loudly
Step 2: Usage
Identify the correctly used sentence with the word 'bore'.
A.He decided to bore the cake before serving it.
B.The lecture seemed to bore the students significantly.
C.She bore a few apples from the tree.
D.The weather was too excited to bore indoors.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is closest in meaning to 'bore'?
A.Excite
B.Fascinate
C.Dull
D.Engage
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'bore'?
A.Disregard
B.Ignore
C.Stimulate
D.Distract
Step 5: Mastery
Can you reflect on a scenario where someone might experience 'bore'?
A.After his long speech, many guests seemed uninterested and tired.
B.The movie was so captivating that everyone left feeling energized.
C.She spoke enthusiastically about her travel adventures.
D.The news report excited everyone in the room.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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