How to pronounce "forbore" in English
for·bore
Hear native speakers say forbore in context across real video clips
Linguistic Pronunciation Masterclass: “forbore”
Phonetic mechanics, syllable architecture, and conversational cadence
Syllable Architecture & Stress Distribution
for
Reduced vowel sound, relaxed jaw, and minimal vocal effort.
bore
Reduced vowel sound, relaxed jaw, and minimal vocal effort.
Keep the vowel length balanced, placing subtle emphasis on the root morpheme according to standard conversational rhythm.
Common Pronunciation Traps & Learner Mistakes
The Trap: Avoid pronouncing every vowel with full acoustic weight. Non-native speakers often over-enunciate unstressed vowels.
How Native Speakers Say It: Only give full vowel clarity to the primary stressed syllable. Relax all unstressed vowels into a neutral, low-energy schwa (⁄ə⁄).
Connected Speech & Natural Conversational Flow
When followed by a vowel, insert a subtle glide (/w/ or /j/) to connect into the subsequent word without an abrupt glottal stop.
In natural sentences, avoid over-stressing "forbore" unless it conveys the core contrast or focal point of your message.
Authentic Spoken Quotes from Native Video Context
“I forbore, resolved to accept in lieu of her death a modest portion of heartfelt grovel.”— YaleCoursesWatch clip
“I forbore to describe it in that book, lest I should be accounted an extravagant freak...”— TEDWatch clip
Practice Speaking “forbore”
Listen to native pronunciation, record yourself repeating the sentence into your microphone, and receive real-time word-by-word accuracy scoring.
I forbore, resolved to accept in lieu of her death a modest portion of heartfelt grovel.
Hear it in context: “forbore”
2 clipsThe English word “forbore”. Phonologically, it consists of 2 syllables (for · bore). Grammatically, “forbore” functions as a verb, noun and acts as an English heteronym where syllable stress shifts between noun (initial-syllable stress) and verb (second-syllable stress) usage. SayItVid indexes 2 authentic English video clips demonstrating how native speakers articulate “forbore” in natural connected speech across American (US: 2 sampled), British (UK), and Australian (AUS) accents, including verified broadcasts from YaleCourses, TED.
Spoken Video Transcripts & Contextual Quotes (2 Verified Clips)
- 🇺🇸 USYaleCoursesClip #1 · @31:41
“telling himself:.. . I forbore, resolved to accept in lieu of her death a modest portion of heartfelt grovel. in lieu of her death a modest portion of heartfelt grovel.”
- 🇺🇸 USTEDClip #2 · @13:08
“"This principle of nature being very remote from the conceptions of philosophers, I forbore to describe it in that book, lest I should be accounted an extravagant freak... " That's what we all have to watch out for, especially at this meeting. lest I should be accounted an extravagant freak... "”
Definition & Meaning: “forbore”
- To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from.
- To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
- Alternative spelling of forebear.
Example Sentences (3)
- “Mr. Sheriff, I desire that this manacling may be forborn: if you please to clap a guard of a hundred men upon us, I shall pay for it. This is not only a disgrace to me, but in general to all soldiers; which doth more trouble me than the loss of my life.”
- “Por[tia]. I pray you tarrie, pauſe a day or two Before you hazard, for in chooſing wrong I looſe your companie ; therefore forbeare a while, /[...]”
- “. I forbore, resolved to accept in lieu of her death a modest portion of heartfelt grovel.”
Common Phrases & Collocations
Pronounce: “forbore”
- Syllables:
- for · bore
- Hear it in context
- forbore
Words that Sound Identical (Homophones)
Unique Sound"forbore" has no true homophones in standard English — there are no other words with identical pronunciation. Unlike sound-alike pairs like there / their or peace / piece, "forbore" has a completely distinct phonetic identity.
Frequently asked questions about forbore
How many syllables are in “forbore”?
“forbore” has 2 syllables: for · bore.
What does “forbore” mean?
To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from.
How can I hear “forbore” used in real sentences?
This page has 2 real-world video examples of “forbore” with synchronized subtitles. Use Previous / Next (or ← / → keys) to hear each one at the exact moment it is spoken.
What is the most common pronunciation mistake when saying “forbore”?
Avoid pronouncing every vowel with full acoustic weight. Non-native speakers often over-enunciate unstressed vowels. Only give full vowel clarity to the primary stressed syllable. Relax all unstressed vowels into a neutral, low-energy schwa (⁄ə⁄).