Bear

/bɛr/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAnimal
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A large mammal with thick fur, claws, and often a long snout.

/bɛr/

nounneutralBeginner
Animal

A large, heavy mammal with thick fur.

A bear lumbered through the forest.

💡 Simply: A big, furry animal.

More Examples

2

The bear was fishing for salmon.

How It's Used

Zoology

"The grizzly bear is a powerful predator."

Wildlife

"We saw a black bear foraging for berries."

2

To endure or tolerate something unpleasant.

/bɛr/

verbnegativeIntermediate
Action

To support or endure something difficult.

She couldn't bear the pain.

💡 Simply: To put up with something unpleasant.

More Examples

2

He bore the responsibility bravely.

How It's Used

General

"I can't bear to watch this movie anymore."

Informal

"I can't bear the thought of missing the party."

Tip:Imagine struggling to carry a heavy weight – that's what bearing something is like.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

to bear in mind

To remember or consider something.

"Bear in mind that this project has a tight deadline."

From Old English *bera, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch beer and German Bär.

The word 'bear' has been used in English for over a thousand years, with its meaning and usage evolving over time.

Memory tip

Think of a big, furry creature that hibernates.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"brown animal"

bear fruitbear witnessbare with me

Common misspellings

bearebaer

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written