bore
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for bore, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make someone feel uninterested and tired through dullness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bore
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "borian" ("to pierce"), related to Latin words for piercing or striking; the "dull person" sense likely grew from the idea of wearing someone down, as if drilling into them.
Full origin of bore →Frequently asked questions
What does “bore” mean?
The word “bore” means to make someone feel uninterested and tired through dullness. In plain terms, to drill a hole, or to make someone feel dull and tired — also, a dull person, or the width of a hole/barrel.
How do you pronounce “bore”?
“Bore” is pronounced baw (/boɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bore” in a sentence?
Here is “bore” used in a sentence: “The long lecture bored most of the students within ten minutes.”
What is another word for “bore”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bore” include banality, snooze and snoozer.
What is the opposite of “bore”?
The opposite of “bore” — its antonyms — are interest and thrillsville.
What part of speech is “bore”?
Depending on how it is used, “bore” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “bore” come from?
The word “bore” comes from Latin. From Old English "borian" ("to pierce"), related to Latin words for piercing or striking; the "dull person" sense likely grew from the idea of wearing someone down, as if drilling into them.
Is “bore” a common word?
“Bore” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between bore and boar?
Bore and boar sound alike but differ in meaning. A bore is a dull, uninteresting person or thing, and to bore is to make someone feel uninterested or to drill a hole; a boar is a wild or male pig.
What is the difference between saying 'I am bored' and 'I am boring'?
"I am bored" means you feel uninterested because something is dull. "I am boring" means you are the dull thing that makes other people feel uninterested, so the two should never be swapped when describing your own feelings.
Is 'bore' the past tense of 'bear'?
Yes. As well as meaning to make someone uninterested or to drill a hole, "bore" is the past tense of the verb "bear," as in "she bore the weight" or "he bore the news calmly." Context makes clear which sense is meant.