bear

noun / verb/beər/ 🔊 listen

bear is a tricky word: it means both “a bear” (animal) and “to endure/carry” (verb). That's why it confuses learners. Irregular: bear → bore → borne.

📖 Meanings

1a bear (animal, noun)
"We saw a bear in the forest." — (animal)
2to endure, stand (verb)
"I can't bear the noise." — (endure)
3to carry, support weight (verb)
"The bridge bears heavy trucks." — (support)
4to keep in mind (bear in mind)
"Bear in mind it's expensive." — (remember)

⚠️ Forms

PresentPastPast Participle
bearboreborne

🔄 Often confused

💬 Phrases

bear in mindbear with mecan't bear
❓ What does “I can't bear the noise” mean?