bother
This word carries a sense of mild irritation or low-level distress. When used as a verb to disturb someone, it often functions as a polite hedge in requests to minimize the perceived intrusion. It suggests a disruption of peace or focus rather than a severe conflict.
In its intransitive form, the word focuses on the expenditure of effort. It is frequently paired with negatives to express that a task is not worth the energy required, shifting the meaning from annoyance to a calculation of utility and convenience.
Meanings
To annoy, worry, or disturb someone with small or trivial problems.
I am sorry to bother you, but could you tell me the time?
To make an effort to do something, often used in negative sentences to indicate a lack of desire or necessity.
Don't bother to wake me up early tomorrow.
Phrasal Verbs
bother with
to spend time or effort on something, often used in the negative
I wouldn't bother with the salad; it's not very fresh.
bother about
to worry or feel anxious about something
She doesn't seem to bother about the consequences of her actions.