bear on
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To be connected to or important for a situation, or to press on something.
Literal meaning: To bear (carry/press) on or upon something — to weigh or press down on it.
Meanings
1 B2 formal
To be relevant to or have an influence on a situation, question, or decision.
"Several new pieces of evidence bear on the original verdict and may lead to an appeal."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To exert pressure on a person or thing, either physically or figuratively.
"The weight of years of hardship bore on her shoulders as she told her story."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in formal, legal, and academic writing. In everyday speech, 'relate to' or 'affect' are more natural. The physical sense of pressing is more literary. Often encountered in the phrase 'have a bearing on.'
Commonly used with
case issue question decision matter argument
Forms
Base
bear on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bears on
he/she/it
Past simple
bore on
yesterday
Past participle
born/borne on
have + pp
-ing form
bearing on
continuous
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