For·bear·ing, a. Disposed or accustomed to forbear; patient; long-suffering. -- For*bear*ing*ly, adv.

 ◄ ►


 For·bear v. i. [imp. Forbore (Forbare [Obs.]); p. p. Forborne p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing.]
 1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
    Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?   --1 Kings xxii. 6.
 2. To refuse; to decline; to give no heed.
    Thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.   --Ezek. ii. 7.
 3. To control one's self when provoked.
 The kindest and the happiest pair
 Will find occasion to forbear.   --Cowper.
    Both bear and forbear.   --Old Proverb.


 forbearing
      adj : showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint
            under adversity; slow to retaliate or express
            resentment; "seemly and forbearing...yet strong enough
            to resist aggression"; "was longanimous in the face of
            suffering" [syn: longanimous]