FORBEARING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does forbearing mean? 

• FORBEARING (adjective)
  The adjective FORBEARING has 1 sense:

1. showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment

  Familiarity information: FORBEARING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FORBEARING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment

Synonyms:

forbearing; longanimous

Context example:

was longanimous in the face of suffering

Similar:

patient (enduring trying circumstances with even temper or characterized by such endurance)

 Context examples 

Glowing and lovely in sensibility and happiness, and more generally admired than she thought about or cared for, she had cheerful or forbearing feelings for every creature around her.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

I never heard such sweet forbearing kindness expressed in a voice, as she expressed in making this reply.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Her uncle's kind expressions, however, and forbearing manner, were sensibly felt; and when she considered how much of the truth was unknown to him, she believed she had no right to wonder at the line of conduct he pursued.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have borne without anger such treatment; but Sir William's good breeding carried him through it all; and though he begged leave to be positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I should not settle tamely down into being the forbearing party; I should assign you your share of labour, and compel you to accomplish it, or else it should be left undone: I should insist, also, on your keeping some of those drawling, half-insincere complaints hushed in your own breast.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I found him a very patient, very forbearing, and yet an exacting master: he expected me to do a great deal; and when I fulfilled his expectations, he, in his own way, fully testified his approbation.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)