Words / C2

for-BAIRR-uh-ns/fɔːˈbeərəns/

Forbearance is patient self-control when you could insist or punish (formal): show forbearance, the lender’s forbearance. Patience is everyday; restraint is close. Forebear (or forbear as a noun) is an ancestor — spelling trap. Forbear the verb means refrain. Do not use forbearance for mere delay without self-control.

Meaning

Patient self-control when you could punish or insist (formal).

Examples

• “She showed forbearance when the draft arrived a week late.”
• “She showed forbearance when the draft arrived a week late, then named a final date.”
• “Mortgage forbearance is a legal pause, not forgetfulness.”

Good to know

Patient restraint (formal). Everyday: patience. Mix-up: forebear (ancestor). Verb: forbear (refrain). Not mere lateness.

Near in meaning

restraint

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