“Forbear” and “forebear” are two words that sound similar but have different meanings. “Forbear,” used as a verb, means to abstain or refrain from something. “Forebear,” used as a noun, refers to an ancestor. This lesson will define each word and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Forbear
Definition:
“Forbear,” as a verb, means to abstain from or refrain from doing something.
Examples of use:
We forbear from making any negative comments about them.
She chose to forbear from arguing, hoping to avoid a conflict.
The committee decided to forbear from making a decision until all evidence was reviewed.
Forebear
Definition:
“Forebear,” as a noun, means an ancestor or a person from whom one is descended.
Examples of use:
One of my forebears came to America on the Mayflower.
The family history traces our forebears back to the 18th century.
They celebrated their heritage by honoring the achievements of their forebears.
“Forbear” is a verb meaning to refrain or abstain from something, while “forebear” is a noun meaning an ancestor. Understanding these distinctions will help you use each word correctly and convey your intended meaning accurately.
