bear
bear Lexical Profile
bear Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, heavily built plantigrade mammal of the family Ursidae, typically characterized by a thick coat of fur, a short tail, and a carnivorous or omnivorous diet.
"The hikers kept their distance after spotting a brown bear foraging near the riverbank."
An investor who pessimistically anticipates a decline in market prices and often sells securities or commodities in the expectation of repurchasing them at a lower cost.
"During the economic downturn, the bears dominated the stock market, driving prices down for consecutive weeks."
• verb
To carry, support, or transport a physical weight, load, or burden.
"The ancient stone columns were designed to bear the immense weight of the temple roof."
To endure, tolerate, or withstand a difficult situation, hardship, or intense emotional pain.
"She could hardly bear the grief of losing her childhood home to the wildfire."
To give birth to offspring, or to produce fruit or flowers.
"The old apple tree in the backyard continues to bear fruit every autumn."
Word Nuance & Usage
The verb 'bear' is frequently confused with its homophone 'bare' (to expose). Additionally, its past participle is spelled 'borne' when meaning to carry or endure, but 'born' when referring to giving birth (except in active voice).
• Rhymes for bear
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun comes from Old English 'bera', of Germanic origin, likely stemming from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'brown'. The verb derives from Old English 'beran', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*bher-', meaning 'to carry'.