bearing
bearing Lexical Profile
bearing Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Relation, relevance, or practical influence regarding a particular subject or decision (usually followed by 'on' or 'upon').
"Recent economic data will have a direct bearing on the committee's budget proposal."
A person's way of standing, moving, or conducting themselves; posture or demeanor.
"Despite the pressure of the inquiry, the diplomat maintained a calm and dignified bearing."
The direction or position of something relative to a fixed point, measured in degrees, or one's general awareness of orientation (often in plural).
"The hikers paused at the ridge to check their compass bearing before descending into the valley."
A mechanical part or assembly that supports a rotating shaft or moving component while reducing friction.
"The technician replaced the worn wheel bearing to eliminate the grinding noise."
The act or capability of enduring pain, hardship, or difficulty, or of producing fruit or offspring.
"The orchard contains several rows of young apple trees that are just coming into bearing."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the sense of spatial orientation or general awareness of one's situation, the word is most commonly used in the plural ('to find/lose one's bearings'), whereas a specific compass angle is singular ('a bearing of 45 degrees').
• Rhymes for bearing
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English beringe, derived from the Old English verb beran ('to carry, bring forth, or sustain'), with the suffix -ing denoting an action, manner, or mechanical support.