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bear out

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To show that something is true by providing proof or support.

Literal meaning: To carry or bring something out into the open — to bring truth to light.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To confirm or prove that a claim, theory, or belief is true, especially through evidence.

"The latest research bears out what scientists have suspected for years about sleep deprivation."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To support someone in what they say; to vouch for someone's account or character.

"Her colleague bore her out completely when the manager questioned her story."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Commonly used in formal and academic contexts as well as everyday speech. Often appears in the passive ('this is borne out by the data') or with factual subjects ('the evidence bears this out'). Slightly more formal than 'back up.'

Commonly used with

evidence data findings theory claim suspicion

Forms

Base
bear out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bears out
he/she/it
Past simple
bore out
yesterday
Past participle
born/borne out
have + pp
-ing form
bearing out
continuous

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