forbearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "forbearing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone as being tolerant, patient, or lenient. For example: "The teacher was remarkably forbearing with the unruly students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the moment Mr Thaksin is being unusually forbearing, giving his sister plenty of room and professing that he doesn't even want to return to Thailand for the moment, let alone to government.

The Economist

Many may also flinch at his explanation for the rise of the Nazis: that Germans, "so true, so forbearing, so steadfast", were also too trusting and easily led astray by charlatans.Thomas Mann, the author of "Death in Venice", who fled Hitler, was caustic about writers who remained.

The Economist

In fact it was a small, determined step towards the Good Friday agreement 13 years later.A mislaid overcoatHe had the ideal background for conciliation, with a Catholic father from the South and a Protestant mother from the North (though it was she who taught him his catechism, forbearing only to instruct him how to sign himself at the gospel).

The Economist

They are tired of seeing uncompetitive firms, propped up by government subsidies and forbearing banks, undercut their prices and tie up resources.

The Economist

But not all Europeans are so forbearing.

The Economist

Though reserved in manner, and sometimes irritable and ungracious, partly as a result of ill health and overwork, he could also show himself kindly, courteous, and forbearing, and he had the gift of winning and keeping love.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Evidence obtained from the investigation does not show that the donation was given as an inducement or a reward for doing or forbearing to do anything in relation to his capacity as prime minister".

Independent

Polite and forbearing, he's seething inside, a warrior carefully masked as a respectful young man.

The New Yorker

But Kim, who had seen her own father and brother face less forbearing jurists, did not anticipate lenient treatment.

The New Yorker

Disgusted and forbearing by turns, Neufeld, the chair of the Space History Division at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, offers this patient new biography as a corrective to the scientific and moral shakiness of the more admiring writers who have come before him.

The New Yorker

Do you want to meet me after your shift's over?" The same nympho gets the pilot's best line; still trying to push herself on the forbearing lifeguard, she says, "Haven't you heard?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forbearing" to describe individuals or entities that exhibit notable patience and restraint, particularly in situations where provocation or conflict might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "forbearing" when simpler terms like "patient" or "understanding" would suffice. "Forbearing" is best reserved for scenarios where the level of patience displayed is truly exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forbearing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of patience and restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and this is further demonstrated by the presence of real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forbearing" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adjective used to describe someone or something that is patient and restrained, often in the face of provocation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the word is usable in written English. The word is primarily encountered in formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When used appropriately, this adjective highlights exceptional tolerance or understanding. Related terms include "patient", "tolerant", and "lenient", each with slightly different nuances. By avoiding overuse and understanding the appropriate register, writers can effectively leverage "forbearing" to add depth and precision to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patient

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the ability to endure delays or suffering without complaint.

tolerant

This term emphasizes acceptance of differing views or behaviors.

lenient

This term highlights a mild or permissive approach, especially in discipline or judgment.

long-suffering

This phrase suggests enduring hardship with patience and resignation.

understanding

This term indicates empathy and a willingness to comprehend another's situation or feelings.

compassionate

This term emphasizes a deep awareness of another's suffering and a desire to alleviate it.

magnanimous

This term suggests generosity and forgiveness, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

indulgent

This term implies a willingness to allow someone their desires or whims, often to an excessive degree.

clement

This term describes mildness or mercy, especially in the context of weather or punishment.

easygoing

This phrase suggests a relaxed and tolerant attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "forbearing" in a sentence?

You can use "forbearing" to describe someone who is patient and tolerant, such as: "The teacher was remarkably "forbearing" with the disruptive students."

What are some synonyms for "forbearing"?

Alternatives to "forbearing" include "patient", "tolerant", "lenient", and "long-suffering". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "forbearing" a formal or informal word?

"Forbearing" is generally considered a more formal term. In casual conversation, words like "understanding" or "patient" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "forbearing" and "patient"?

While both terms relate to tolerance, "forbearing" often implies a deliberate choice to restrain from acting or speaking out, while "patient" simply describes the ability to wait calmly.