Bear vs. Bare: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 12, 2023
"Bear" can mean to carry or endure, or refer to the large mammal, while "Bare" means uncovered or naked.
Key Differences
"Bear" is a versatile word in the English language. It can denote the act of carrying or holding up, such as bearing a burden or weight. On the other hand, "Bare" typically describes something that is exposed, lacking usual coverings or adornments.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
When one thinks of "Bear," the immediate imagery might be of the large, furry mammal known for its strength and presence in wild habitats. "Bare," by contrast, evokes an image of simplicity, directness, and absence of concealment or disguise.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In terms of etymology, "Bear" has Old English roots in terms like "beran," meaning to carry or bring. "Bare" also traces back to Old English with "bær," denoting naked or unclothed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Using "Bear" in the context of endurance or toleration, such as "bearing the pain," is common. Conversely, "Bare" can be seen in contexts referring to the unadorned state of things, like a bare wall or bare essentials.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
It's essential to distinguish between "Bear" and "Bare" in writing, as mistaking one for the other can alter a sentence's meaning significantly. While "Bear" implies a sense of holding, enduring, or referring to the mammal, "Bare" always pertains to exposure or the state of being uncovered.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
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Bear and Bare Definitions
Bare
Lacking the usual or appropriate covering or clothing.
His bare feet were cold on the tile floor.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Bear
To carry (something) on one's person from one place to another
Bore the suitcase to the station.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To move from one place to another while containing or supporting (something); convey or transport
A train bearing grain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To cause to move by or with steady pressure; push
A boat borne along by the current.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To carry or hold in the mind over time; harbor
Bear a grudge.
Bear ill will.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have as a visible characteristic or attribute
A letter bearing his name.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have a tolerance for; endure
Couldn't bear his lying.
Can't bear to see them leave.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Having no decoration.
The walls of this room are bare — why not hang some paintings on them?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Having had what usually covers (something) removed.
The trees were left bare after the swarm of locusts devoured all the leaves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have relevance or influence; apply
They studied how the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
A lot or lots of.
It's bare money to get in the club each time, man.
It's taking bare time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To endure something with tolerance or patience
Bear with me while I explain what happened.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To extend or proceed in a specified direction
The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Without anything to cover up or conceal one's thoughts or actions; open to view; exposed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To be directed or aimed in a certain direction or at a target
The guns were brought to bear upon the approaching fleet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Any of various usually omnivorous mammals of the family Ursidae that have a shaggy coat and a short tail and walk with the entire lower surface of the foot touching the ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Any of various other animals, such as the koala, that resemble a true bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
One, such as an investor, that sells securities or commodities in expectation of falling prices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(Slang) Something that is difficult or unpleasant
The final exam was a bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
(architecture) That part of a roofing slate, shingle, tile, or metal plate, which is exposed to the weather.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
To uncover; to reveal.
She bared her teeth at him.
The tabloid newspaper promised to bare all.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
A large, generally omnivorous mammal (a few species are purely carnivorous or herbivorous), related to the dog and raccoon, having shaggy hair, a very small tail, and flat feet; a member of the family Ursidae.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Without clothes or covering; stripped of the usual covering; naked; as, his body is bare; the trees are bare.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
With head uncovered; bareheaded.
When once thy foot enters the church, be bare.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(finance) An investor who sells commodities, securities, or futures in anticipation of a fall in prices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Without anything to cover up or conceal one's thoughts or actions; open to view; exposed.
Bare in thy guilt, how foul must thou appear !
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Destitute; indigent; empty; unfurnished or scantily furnished; - used with of (rarely with in) before the thing wanting or taken away; as, a room bare of furniture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Threadbare; much worn.
It appears by their bare liveries that they live by your bare words.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Mere; alone; unaccompanied by anything else; as, a bare majority.
Nor are men prevailed upon by bare words.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Something difficult or tiresome; a burden or chore.
That window can be a bear to open.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
That part of a roofing slate, shingle, tile, or metal plate, which is exposed to the weather.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To endeavour to depress the price of, or prices in.
To bear a railroad stock
To bear the market
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To carry or convey, literally or figuratively.
They came bearing gifts.
Judging from the look on his face, he wasn't bearing good news.
The little boat bore us to our destination.
This plant's light and fluffy seeds may be borne by the wind to remote islands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To carry upon one's person, especially visibly; to be equipped with.
The right to bear arms
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To carry (offspring in the womb), to be pregnant (with).
The scan showed that the ewe was bearing twins.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To have or display (a mark or other feature).
She still bears the scars from a cycling accident.
The stone bears a short inscription.
This bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Lacking in amplitude or quantity;
A bare livelihood
A scanty harvest
A spare diet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To display (a particular heraldic device) on a shield or coat of arms; to be entitled to wear or use (a heraldic device) as a coat of arms.
The shield bore a red cross.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To present or exhibit (a particular outward appearance); to have (a certain look).
He bore the look of a defeated man.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To have (a name, title, or designation).
The school still bears the name of its founder.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Just barely adequate or within a lower limit;
A bare majority
A marginal victory
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To possess or enjoy (recognition, renown, a reputation, etc.); to have (a particular price, value, or worth).
The dictator bears a terrible reputation for cruelty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Apart from anything else; without additions or modifications;
Only the bare facts
Shocked by the mere idea
The simple passage of time was enough
The simple truth
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have (interest or a specified rate of interest) stipulated in its terms.
The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 3.5%.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have (an appendage, organ, etc.) as part of the body; (of a part of the body) to have (an appendage).
Only the male Indian elephant bears tusks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Providing no shelter or sustenance;
Bare rocky hills
Barren lands
The bleak treeless regions of the high Andes
The desolate surface of the moon
A stark landscape
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To carry or hold in the mind; to experience, entertain, harbour (an idea, feeling, or emotion).
To bear a grudge, to bear ill will
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Having extraneous everything removed including contents;
The bare walls
The cupboard was bare
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To feel and show (respect, reverence, loyalty, etc.) to, towards, or unto a person or thing.
The brothers had always borne one another respect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Showing ground without the usual covering of grass;
A carefully swept bare yard around the house
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To possess inherently (a quality, attribute, power, or capacity); to have and display as an essential characteristic.
To bear life
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bare
Devoid of the natural or usual covering.
The tree had bare branches in winter.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Bear
To have (a relation, correspondence, etc.) to something else.
The punishment bears no relation to the crime.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To give (written or oral testimony or evidence); (figurative) to provide or constitute (evidence or proof), give witness.
His achievements bear testimony to his ability.
The jury could see he was bearing false witness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To have (a certain meaning, intent, or effect).
This word no longer bears its original meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To behave or conduct (oneself).
She bore herself well throughout the ordeal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To possess and use, to exercise (power or influence); to hold (an office, rank, or position).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To support or sustain; to hold up.
This stone bears most of the weight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To endure or withstand (hardship, scrutiny, etc.); to tolerate; to be patient (with).
The pain is too much for me to bear.
I would never move to Texas — I can't bear heat.
This reasoning will not bear much analysis.
Please bear with me as I try to find the book you need.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To sustain, or be answerable for (blame, expense, responsibility, etc.).
The hirer must bear the cost of any repairs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To admit or be capable of (a meaning); to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To warrant, justify the need for.
This storm definitely bears monitoring.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
(transitive) To afford, to be something to someone, to supply with something. en
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To push, thrust, press.
The rope has frayed where it bears on the rim of the wheel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; to be relevant.
To bring arguments to bear
How does this bear on the question?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Of a weapon, to be aimed at an enemy or other target.
The cannons were wheeled around to bear upon the advancing troops.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To give birth to (someone or something) may take the father of the direct object as an indirect object.
In Troy she becomes Paris’ wife, bearing him several children, all of whom die in infancy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To produce or yield something, such as fruit or crops.
This year our apple trees bore a good crop of fruit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To be, or head, in a specific direction or azimuth (from somewhere).
Carry on past the church and then bear left at the junction.
By my readings, we're bearing due south, so we should turn about ten degrees east.
Great Falls bears north of Bozeman.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Characterized by declining prices in securities markets or by belief that the prices will fall.
The great bear market starting in 1929 scared a whole generation of investors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To support and remove or carry; to convey.
I 'll bear your logs the while.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To possess and use, as power; to exercise.
Every man should bear rule in his own house.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To sustain; to have on (written or inscribed, or as a mark), as, the tablet bears this inscription.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To possess or carry, as a mark of authority or distinction; to wear; as, to bear a sword, badge, or name.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To possess mentally; to carry or hold in the mind; to entertain; to harbor
The ancient grudge I bear him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To endure; to tolerate; to undergo; to suffer.
Should such a man, too fond to rule alone,Bear, like the Turk, no brother near the throne.
I cannot bearThe murmur of this lake to hear.
My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To gain or win.
Some think to bear it by speaking a great word.
She was . . . found not guilty, through bearing of friends and bribing of the judge.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To sustain, or be answerable for, as blame, expense, responsibility, etc.
He shall bear their iniquities.
Somewhat that will bear your charges.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To admit or be capable of; that is, to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
In all criminal cases the most favorable interpretation should be put on words that they can possibly bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To afford; to be to; to supply with.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To bring forth or produce; to yield; as, to bear apples; to bear children; to bear interest.
Here dwelt the man divine whom Samos bore.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To produce, as fruit; to be fruitful, in opposition to barrenness.
This age to blossom, and the next to bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To press; - with on or upon, or against.
These men bear hard on the suspected party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; as, to bring matters to bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To relate or refer; - with on or upon; as, how does this bear on the question?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To have a certain meaning, intent, or effect.
Her sentence bore that she should stand a certain time upon the platform.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To be situated, as to the point of compass, with respect to something else; as, the land bears N. by E.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To endeavor to depress the price of, or prices in; as, to bear a railroad stock; to bear the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Any species of the genus Ursus, and of the closely allied genera. Bears are plantigrade Carnivora, but they live largely on fruit and insects.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
An animal which has some resemblance to a bear in form or habits, but no real affinity; as, the woolly bear; ant bear; water bear; sea bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
One of two constellations in the northern hemisphere, called respectively the Great Bear and the Lesser Bear, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
A person who sells stocks or securities for future delivery in expectation of a fall in the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Barley; the six-rowed barley or the four-rowed barley, commonly the former (Hordeum hexastichon or Hordeum vulgare).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
An investor with a pessimistic market outlook; an investor who expects prices to fall and so sells now in order to buy later at a lower price
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Put up with something or somebody unpleasant;
I cannot bear his constant criticism
The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
He learned to tolerate the heat
She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Move while holding up or supporting;
Bear gifts
Bear a heavy load
Bear news
Bearing orders
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Bring forth,
The apple tree bore delicious apples this year
The unidentified plant bore gorgeous flowers
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Bring in;
Interest-bearing accounts
How much does this savings certificate pay annually?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
Be pregnant with;
She is bearing his child
The are expecting another child in January
I am carrying his child
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bear
To produce or yield, especially fruit.
The tree bears apples every autumn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Can "Bear" relate to childbirth?
Yes, "bear" can mean to give birth, e.g., "She bore three children."
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is "bear witness" about observing?
Yes, it means to give evidence or attest to something.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Does "Bare" only work as an adjective?
Mostly, but it can also be a verb meaning to reveal or uncover.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
What does "Bear" primarily mean?
As a verb, it means to carry or endure; as a noun, it refers to the mammal.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
How do you use "Bare" to describe minimum?
As in "bare minimum" or "bare essentials."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can "Bare" refer to vulnerability?
Yes, e.g., "lay bare" means to expose or reveal, often making one vulnerable.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
How do you use "Bear" in terms of tolerance?
As in "bear with me" or "I can't bear the noise."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Does "bear a grudge" mean holding resentment?
Yes, it implies harboring ill feelings.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How is "Bear" related to responsibility?
As in "bear the responsibility," meaning to hold or carry the obligation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can "Bare" describe feelings?
Yes, e.g., "bare one's soul" means to express deep emotions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is "bear in mind" about remembering?
Yes, it's synonymous with "keep in mind."
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
How does "Bare" relate to truth?
As in "the bare truth," meaning the plain or unadorned truth.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Does "bear down" mean to exert effort?
Yes, it implies applying pressure or effort.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
