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bear with

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To be patient and keep waiting while something is sorted out.

Literal meaning: To bear (endure) alongside someone — to carry the wait or difficulty together.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To ask someone politely to be patient while you deal with something, often in a professional or service context.

"Bear with me for just one moment — I need to find your booking on the system."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To tolerate someone's faults, behaviour, or difficult manner over a longer period.

"She's a demanding client, but bear with her — she gives us the biggest contracts."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely common as a polite request in professional and service contexts: 'Bear with me' means 'please be patient while I deal with this.' Can also mean to tolerate a person's faults or behaviour over time. 'Bear with me' is frequently used when someone pauses during a speech or presentation.

Commonly used with

me us moment patience delay speaker

Forms

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

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