Bear — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Bear
Bear (noun)
- any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of the Americas and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, short tails, and plantigrade feet with nonretractile claws and that are mainly omnivorous but include some that are primarily carnivorous (as the polar bear) or herbivorous (as the giant panda)
- someone who resembles a bear (as in build, gait, or temperament)
- a burly, hairy, and often bearded gay or bisexual man
Bear (verb)
- to accept or endure especially without succumbing, put up with —usually used in questions and negative statements with can, can't, could, and couldn't
- to be worthy of (something), to deserve or allow (something)
- assume, accept
Bear (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to bring forth from the womb
"luckily, she turned out to be able to bear children after all"
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to put up with (something painful or difficult)
"I can't bear the thought of losing another loved one"
-
to have a relation or connection
"I just found another fact that bears on this issue"
-
to go on a specified course or in a certain direction
"the road bears left after the second traffic light"
-
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
"the wooden bridge will only bear one truck at a time"
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to keep in one's mind or heart
"I'm not one to bear grudges"
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to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
"she bore herself well in her first public speaking event"
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to support and take from one place to another
"the rescue team came bearing much-needed food and supplies"
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to take to or upon oneself
"I bear some responsibility for the mishap"
-
to wear or have on one's person
"the right to bear arms"
-
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction
"the path will bear north after that marked tree"
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to have as a requirement
"the violence in that country bears watching if the world wants to avoid a serious international conflict"
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to have within
"gold-bearing ore"
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to occupy a place or location
"a hot, humid air mass is now bearing just south of the Gulf Coast"
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to produce as revenue
"an interest-bearing savings account"
Bear (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work
"the upcoming kitchen renovation sounds like a real bear"
-
an irritable and complaining person
"you've been a real bear lately—are you having a bad week?"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Bear
The most common words with a similar meaning to Bear:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Bear
Words with the opposite meaning of Bear:
Near Antonyms of Bear
Word Forms of Bear
Inflections: bears, bore, borne, born, bearing
Derived words: bearlike (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Bear
Middle English bere, from Old English bera; akin to Old English brūn brown brown
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Bear
- CEFR level: A2 English Vocabulary — Page 2
- Topics: Weather & Nature, Animals & Pets
Words & Phrases Containing Bear
Frequently Asked Questions about Bear
What does "Bear" mean?
"Bear" means any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of the Americas and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, short tails, and plantigrade feet with nonretractile claws and that are mainly omnivorous but include some that are primarily carnivorous (as the polar bear) or herbivorous (as the giant panda). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of the Americas and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, short tails, and plantigrade feet with nonretractile claws and that are mainly omnivorous but include some that are primarily carnivorous (as the polar bear) or herbivorous (as the giant panda). It has 17 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Bear"?
Other words for "Bear" include birth, deliver, drop, have, mother, produce, abide and absorb. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Bear" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Bear"?
There are 339 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Bear". Common alternatives include birth, deliver, drop, have, mother, produce, abide, absorb, accept and bide.
What is the opposite of "Bear"?
Antonyms of "Bear" include disavow, disclaim, disown, repudiate, have and hold. Near antonyms include abort, lose, miscarry and decline.
How do you use "Bear" in a sentence?
Examples of "Bear" in a sentence: "luckily, she turned out to be able to bear children after all"; "I can't bear the thought of losing another loved one"; "I just found another fact that bears on this issue".
Is "Bear" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Bear" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Bear" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A2-level word, "Bear" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.
How do you pronounce "Bear"?
"Bear" is pronounced /ˈber/.