Bare vs Bear
Bare means naked; whereas, Bear, apart from being a large animal, also means ‘to carry’.
Explanation:
The adjective bare means uncovered, naked, or exposed (i.e., without cover, clothing or cladding).
"Don’t go out bare feet. You will catch cold!"
"The bare pipeline freezed in this year’s chilling winters."
"He was highly embarrassed when he accidently entered the room while he was totally bare."
"The officials rendered the forest bare."
The word bear has many meanings:
1. To carry (in many senses of the word).
"This small tree bears hundreds of apples every year."
"He bears himself with utmost dignity."
"The mother bears her child in the womb for nine months."
"Does this document bear your signature?"
"I bear bad news. I am afraid."
"You bear a resemblance to your mother".
2. To endure or to tolerate.
"None but you yourself have to bear the responsibility of your mistakes."
"He wounded up his business because the revenue could no longer bear the expenses".
"I took the medicine as my headache became unbearable."
"I cannot bear the way she looks at you."
3. To maintain a direction.
"This track bears north for the next miles and then bears east as far as the lake."
4. A large mammal.
"The Polar Bears are quite famous."
Dilemma:
Having known that bear is a large mammal, writers feel uncomfortable using ‘bear’ in its other meanings. In fact, the word ‘bear’ is a very versatile word. Here are common expressions with ‘bear’:
•Bear the cost
•Bear the pain
•Bear the brunt
•Bear the burden
•Bear the consequences
•Bear the thought
•Bear the weight
•Bear in mind
•Bear the name
•Bear fruit
•'Bear with me,' the standard expression, is a request for forbearance or patience.
WARNING: "If a bear bares his teeth, don’t think, just run!"
Click Here to read about Peak vs Pique vs Peek .
Click Here to read about Premier Vs Premiere.
This article has been shared by Priti Saraf. Though a CA by profession, teaching is her passion. She suggests this joyful way of building English Grammar and wherein one cam simultaneously learn their practical use as well.
Join The Discussion