Is hinder formal or informal?

Hinder is fairly formal. It is common in writing, reports, and academic English.

What is the difference between hinder and prevent?

Hinder means to make something harder. Prevent means to stop it completely.

Can I say 'hinder from' in a sentence?

Yes. You can say 'hinder someone from doing something.'

Is hinder a common IELTS word?

Yes. It is useful in IELTS Writing and Reading because it sounds formal and precise.

← Dictionary

hinder

/ˈhɪn.də/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To make it harder for someone or something to do something, or to slow progress. It often suggests an obstacle, not a complete stop.

Poor weather hindered the rescue work.
His injury hindered him from playing.

Adinary Nuance

Hinder is stronger than slow down and more formal than get in the way of. It often sounds a little more serious, especially in writing, reports, and academic English. Compared with prevent, it does not mean complete stopping; the action is still possible, but more difficult.

In other languages

Vietnamese: cản trở
Spanish: obstaculizar
Chinese: 阻碍
Japanese: 妨げる
Korean: 방해하다

Etymology

Hinder comes from Old English hindrian, meaning “to delay” or “to put back.” It has been used in English since before the 12th century.

Common phrases

hinder progresshinder developmenthinder accesshinder growth

Synonyms

impede hamper obstruct delay

Related words

obstacle barrier interfere slow

Frequently asked questions

Is hinder formal or informal?: Hinder is fairly formal. It is common in writing, reports, and academic English.
What is the difference between hinder and prevent?: Hinder means to make something harder. Prevent means to stop it completely.
Can I say 'hinder from' in a sentence?: Yes. You can say 'hinder someone from doing something.'
Is hinder a common IELTS word?: Yes. It is useful in IELTS Writing and Reading because it sounds formal and precise.