Bear vs. Dear: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Bear" primarily refers to a large mammal or to endure, while "Dear" signifies a loved one or describes something precious or expensive. These words have entirely different meanings and uses.
Key Differences
"Bear" and "Dear" are English words with completely different meanings and applications. The term "Bear" can refer to the large mammal known for its strength and is classified under the family Ursidae, such as the grizzly bear or polar bear. It can also mean to carry or endure something. Conversely, "Dear" is used as a form of affectionate address, often to loved ones, and can also describe something that is precious, loved, or expensive.
Analyzing the structure and utility of "Bear," it can be used as a noun or a verb, depending on the context. As a noun, it refers to the animal, and as a verb, it describes the act of holding, carrying, or enduring. "Dear," on the other hand, can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. As a noun, it is a term of endearment, and as an adjective or adverb, it conveys value or costliness, such as in "a dear price."
In terms of grammar, the plurals are also formed differently. The plural of "Bear" is "bears," referring to more than one of the large mammals. In contrast, "Dear" doesn't typically form a regular plural as it often refers to one person as a term of endearment or is used as an adjective to describe singular and plural nouns.
While "Bear" and "Dear" both have numerous meanings and uses, their contexts don't overlap, keeping them distinct in communication. "Bear" relates to strength, endurance, and a specific family of animals, while "Dear" revolves around affection, high value, or a high price point.
"Dears" can be used to address more than one person affectionately, but this usage is less common and can be considered informal or colloquial. "Dear" can also be used in formal letter writing as a polite form of address, such as "Dear Sir/Madam," showing its versatility in formal and informal communications. "Bear" doesn’t possess such a versatile application and remains distinct in its meaning, relating either to the animal or the act of carrying or enduring.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be a noun or verb.
Can be a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Meaning
Refers to a large mammal or to carry/endure.
Signifies a loved one or something precious/expensive.
Usage
Can be used to depict strength or endurance.
Often used as a term of endearment or to denote high value.
Plural Form
Bears
Dears (less common and informal)
Context
Relates to animals or endurance.
Revolves around affection and value.
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Bear and Dear Definitions
Bear
Definitions and Examples - Bear:
A large, typically omnivorous mammal.
Dear
Loved or cherished.
My dear friend helped me through tough times.
Bear
The bear roamed the forest in search of food.
To carry or transport.
Dear
High in price; expensive.
The cost of living in this city is very dear.
Bear
He had to bear the weight of the heavy backpack.
To endure or withstand.
Dear
At a high cost.
Victory came at a dear price.
Bear
The tree bears apples every autumn.
To hold up or support.
Dear
Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.
Bear
To carry (something) on one's person from one place to another
Bore the suitcase to the station.
Dear
Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.
Bear
To move from one place to another while containing or supporting (something); convey or transport
A train bearing grain.
Dear
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Bear
To cause to move by or with steady pressure; push
A boat borne along by the current.
Dear
High-priced; expensive.
Bear
To carry or hold in the mind over time; harbor
Bear a grudge.
Bear ill will.
Dear
Charging high prices.
Bear
To have as a visible characteristic or attribute
A letter bearing his name.
Dear
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Bear
To conduct (oneself) in a specified way
She bore herself with dignity.
Dear
(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.
Bear
To hold up; support
This wall bears much of the weight of the roof.
Dear
Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.
Bear
To be accountable for; assume
Bearing heavy responsibilities.
Dear
Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.
Bear
To have a tolerance for; endure
Couldn't bear his lying.
Can't bear to see them leave.
Dear
A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.
Bear
To have grounds for; call for; warrant
This case bears investigation.
Dear
An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.
Bear
To give birth to
Bore six children.
Dear
With fondness; affectionately.
Bear
To produce; yield
Plants bearing fruit.
Dear
At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.
Bear
To offer; render
I will bear witness to the deed.
Dear
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.
Bear
To yield fruit; produce
Peach trees that bear every summer.
Dear
(UK) High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
Bear
To have relevance or influence; apply
They studied how the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
Dear
Loved; lovable.
Bear
To endure something with tolerance or patience
Bear with me while I explain what happened.
Dear
Lovely; kind.
Bear
To extend or proceed in a specified direction
The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.
Dear
Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
Bear
To be directed or aimed in a certain direction or at a target
The guns were brought to bear upon the approaching fleet.
Dear
Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
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.
Dear
A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:nb....
Bear
Any of various other animals, such as the koala, that resemble a true bear.
Dear
A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
Bear
A large, clumsy, or ill-mannered person.
Dear
An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on, but over my knee!
Bear
One, such as an investor, that sells securities or commodities in expectation of falling prices.
Dear
(obsolete) Noble.
Bear
A pessimist, especially regarding business conditions.
Dear
Severe, or severely affected; sore.
Bear
(Slang) Something that is difficult or unpleasant
The final exam was a bear.
Dear
(obsolete) Fierce.
The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.
Bear
(Slang) A highway patrol officer.
Dear
A very kind, loving person.
My little cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.
Bear
(Slang) A hairy, stocky gay man.
Dear
A beloved person.
Bear
Characterized by falling prices
A bear market.
Dear
An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
Pass me the salt, would you dear?
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.
Dear
An elderly person, especially a woman.
Bear
The meat of this animal.
We had barbecued bear for dinner.
Dear
(obsolete) To endear.
Bear
(figuratively) A rough, unmannerly, uncouth person.
Dear
Dearly; at a high price.
Bear
(finance) An investor who sells commodities, securities, or futures in anticipation of a fall in prices.
Dear
(dated) Indicating surprise, pity, or disapproval.
Dear, dear! Whatever were they thinking?
Bear
A state policeman short for Smokey Bear.
Dear
Bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.
Bear
(gay slang) A large, hairy man, especially one who is homosexual.
Dear
Marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.
Bear
(engineering) A portable punching machine.
Dear
Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.
Neither count I my life dear unto myself.
And the last joy was dearer than the rest.
Dear as remember'd kisses after death.
Bear
(nautical) A block covered with coarse matting, used to scour the deck.
Dear
Hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.
[I'll] leave you to attend him: some dear causeWill in concealment wrap me up awhile.
His dearest wish was to escape from the bustle and glitter of Whitehall.
Bear
(cartomancy) The fifteenth Lenormand card.
Dear
Of disagreeable things and antipathies.
In our dear peril.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heavenOr ever I had seen that day.
Bear
Something difficult or tiresome; a burden or chore.
That window can be a bear to open.
Dear
A dear one; lover; sweetheart.
That kiss I carried from thee, dear.
Bear
(obsolete) A pillowcase; a fabric case or covering as for a pillow.
Dear
Dearly; at a high price.
If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
Bear
To endeavour to depress the price of, or prices in.
To bear a railroad stock
To bear the market
Dear
To endear.
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.
Dear
A beloved person; used as terms of endearment
Bear
To carry upon one's person, especially visibly; to be equipped with.
The right to bear arms
Dear
A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
Bear
To wear. en
Dear
Dearly loved
Bear
To carry (offspring in the womb), to be pregnant (with).
The scan showed that the ewe was bearing twins.
Dear
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
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.
Dear
Earnest;
One's dearest wish
Devout wishes for their success
Heartfelt condolences
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.
Dear
Having a high price;
Costly jewelry
High-priced merchandise
Much too dear for my pocketbook
A pricey restaurant
Bear
(transitive) To present or exhibit (a particular outward appearance); to have (a certain look).
He bore the look of a defeated man.
Dear
With affection;
She loved him dearly
He treats her affectionately
Bear
(transitive) To have (a name, title, or designation).
The school still bears the name of its founder.
Dear
At a great cost;
He paid dearly for the food
This cost him dear
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.
Dear
Used as a polite form of address.
Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to inform you...
Bear
To have (interest or a specified rate of interest) stipulated in its terms.
The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 3.5%.
Dear
Regarded with deep affection.
Hold your dear ones close to your heart.
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.
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
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.
Bear
(transitive) To possess inherently (a quality, attribute, power, or capacity); to have and display as an essential characteristic.
To bear life
Bear
To have (a relation, correspondence, etc.) to something else.
The punishment bears no relation to the crime.
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.
Bear
(transitive) To have (a certain meaning, intent, or effect).
This word no longer bears its original meaning.
Bear
To behave or conduct (oneself).
She bore herself well throughout the ordeal.
Bear
To possess and use, to exercise (power or influence); to hold (an office, rank, or position).
Bear
To carry a burden or burdens.
Bear
To take or bring (a person) with oneself; to conduct.
Bear
To support, sustain, or endure.
Bear
(transitive) To support or sustain; to hold up.
This stone bears most of the weight.
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.
Bear
(transitive) To sustain, or be answerable for (blame, expense, responsibility, etc.).
The hirer must bear the cost of any repairs.
Bear
(transitive) To admit or be capable of (a meaning); to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
Bear
(transitive) To warrant, justify the need for.
This storm definitely bears monitoring.
Bear
To support, keep up, or maintain.
Bear
(transitive) To afford, to be something to someone, to supply with something. en
Bear
(transitive) To carry on, or maintain; to have. en
Bear
To press or impinge upon.
Bear
To push, thrust, press.
The rope has frayed where it bears on the rim of the wheel.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; to be relevant.
To bring arguments to bear
How does this bear on the question?
Bear
Of a weapon, to be aimed at an enemy or other target.
The cannons were wheeled around to bear upon the advancing troops.
Bear
To produce, yield, give birth to.
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.
Bear
To produce or yield something, such as fruit or crops.
This year our apple trees bore a good crop of fruit.
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.
Bear
To gain or win.
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.
Bear
To support or sustain; to hold up.
Bear
To support and remove or carry; to convey.
I 'll bear your logs the while.
Bear
To conduct; to bring; - said of persons.
Bear them to my house.
Bear
To possess and use, as power; to exercise.
Every man should bear rule in his own house.
Bear
To sustain; to have on (written or inscribed, or as a mark), as, the tablet bears this inscription.
Bear
To possess or carry, as a mark of authority or distinction; to wear; as, to bear a sword, badge, or name.
Bear
To possess mentally; to carry or hold in the mind; to entertain; to harbor
The ancient grudge I bear him.
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.
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.
Bear
To sustain, or be answerable for, as blame, expense, responsibility, etc.
He shall bear their iniquities.
Somewhat that will bear your charges.
Bear
To render or give; to bring forward.
Bear
To carry on, or maintain; to have.
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.
Bear
To manage, wield, or direct.
Hath he borne himself penitently in prison?
Bear
To afford; to be to; to supply with.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
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.
Bear
To produce, as fruit; to be fruitful, in opposition to barrenness.
This age to blossom, and the next to bear.
Bear
To suffer, as in carrying a burden.
But man is born to bear.
Bear
To endure with patience; to be patient.
I can not, can not bear.
Bear
To press; - with on or upon, or against.
These men bear hard on the suspected party.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; as, to bring matters to bear.
Bear
To relate or refer; - with on or upon; as, how does this bear on the question?
Bear
To have a certain meaning, intent, or effect.
Her sentence bore that she should stand a certain time upon the platform.
Bear
To be situated, as to the point of compass, with respect to something else; as, the land bears N. by E.
Bear
To endeavor to depress the price of, or prices in; as, to bear a railroad stock; to bear the market.
Bear
A bier.
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.
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.
Bear
One of two constellations in the northern hemisphere, called respectively the Great Bear and the Lesser Bear, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Bear
Metaphorically: A brutal, coarse, or morose person.
Bear
A person who sells stocks or securities for future delivery in expectation of a fall in the market.
Bear
A portable punching machine.
Bear
A block covered with coarse matting; - used to scour the deck.
Bear
Barley; the six-rowed barley or the four-rowed barley, commonly the former (Hordeum hexastichon or Hordeum vulgare).
Bear
Massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
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
Bear
Have;
Bear a resemblance
Bear a signature
Bear
Give birth (to a newborn);
My wife had twins yesterday!
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
Bear
Move while holding up or supporting;
Bear gifts
Bear a heavy load
Bear news
Bearing orders
Bear
Bring forth,
The apple tree bore delicious apples this year
The unidentified plant bore gorgeous flowers
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
Bear
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Bear
Bring in;
Interest-bearing accounts
How much does this savings certificate pay annually?
Bear
Have on one's person;
He wore a red ribbon
Bear a scar
Bear
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Bear
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Bear
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Bear
Be pregnant with;
She is bearing his child
The are expecting another child in January
I am carrying his child
Bear
She bore the pain with great courage.
To produce or yield, especially fruit or offspring.
Bear
The pillars bear the weight of the entire building.
FAQs
Can "bear" refer to enduring something?
Yes, "bear" can mean to endure or withstand something.
Can "dear" be used to describe something expensive?
Yes, "dear" can describe something that is high in price or expensive.
Can "bear" mean to carry something?
Yes, "bear" can also mean to carry or transport something.
Can "dear" be used as a term of endearment?
Yes, "dear" is commonly used as a term of endearment for loved ones.
Can "dear" denote something precious or valuable?
Yes, "dear" can denote something precious, valuable, or cherished.
Is "bear" used to depict strength?
Yes, "bear" is often used to symbolize strength or endurance.
Is "bear" always a noun?
No, "bear" can be used both as a noun, referring to the animal, and a verb, meaning to carry or endure.
Can "dear" be used in formal communications?
Yes, "dear" is used in formal communications, typically as a polite form of address in letters.
Can "bear" be plural?
Yes, the plural of "bear" is "bears."
Does "bear" always refer to the animal?
No, "bear" has multiple meanings including to carry, endure, or to produce or yield.
Can "bear" refer to producing or yielding something?
Yes, "bear" can mean to produce or yield, especially in reference to fruit or offspring.
Can "dear" be used as an adverb?
Yes, "dear" can be used as an adverb, as in "it cost me dear."
Is "dear" only used to address loved ones?
No, "dear" can also be used to describe something that is high in price, valuable, or as a polite form of address.
Can "bear" also mean to support or hold up?
Yes, "bear" can mean to hold up or support, as in bearing weight.
Is "dears" a correct plural form of "dear"?
"Dears" can be used informally to address more than one person affectionately, but it is less common.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
