1 B1 neutral
To apply strong downward physical pressure on something.
"Bear down on the wound firmly to stop the bleeding."
bear down
B2 neutral intransitive
To press downward with force; to make a stronger effort; or (during childbirth) to push.
In plain English
To push down hard, or to try much harder at something.
What does "bear down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To make a greater effort; to concentrate and try harder, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.
"The team bore down in the final quarter and managed to score twice."
3 B2 neutral
During childbirth, to push with force during contractions.
"The midwife told her to bear down with the next contraction."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bear (apply/carry) one's weight downward.
Actually means
To push down hard, or to try much harder at something.
Usage tip
Used in several distinct contexts: physical force (pressing down on something), effort (trying harder), sailing (see 'bear down on'), and obstetrics (pushing during labour). Context always makes the meaning clear.
Words that pair with "bear down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
effort pressure opposition contractions pedal task
How to conjugate "bear down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bear down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bears down
he/she/it
Past simple
bore down
yesterday
Past participle
born/borne down
have + pp
-ing form
bearing down
continuous
Hear "bear down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bear down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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