wear on
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
When time passes slowly and feels tiring, or when something starts to annoy you more and more.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
For time to pass, especially slowly or tediously.
"As the afternoon wore on, the speakers became less interesting."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To gradually irritate, exhaust, or frustrate someone over time.
"His constant complaining was beginning to wear on everyone in the office."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The intransitive sense (time wears on) is common in literary and journalistic writing. The transitive sense (something wears on someone) is more colloquial. Both senses are found in American and British English.
Commonly used with
evening day afternoon session nerves patience everyone
Forms
Base
wear on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears on
he/she/it
Past simple
wore on
yesterday
Past participle
worn on
have + pp
-ing form
wearing on
continuous
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