1 C1 idiomatic formal
For a truth, realisation, or oppressive feeling to become inescapably clear and overwhelming to someone.
"The full weight of what he had done began to bear in on him as he sat alone."
inseparable
bear in on
C1 formal inseparable transitive
For a fact, feeling, or reality to become increasingly and overwhelmingly clear or pressing to someone.
In plain English
When a truth or feeling becomes so strong that it is impossible to ignore.
What does "bear in on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bear (carry/press) in upon someone — a weight pressing inward.
Actually means
When a truth or feeling becomes so strong that it is impossible to ignore.
Usage tip
Formal and literary in tone. Typically used in the passive or with impersonal subjects. Common in literary fiction to describe dawning awareness or oppressive realisation.
Words that pair with "bear in on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
truth reality sense awareness feeling fact
How to conjugate "bear in on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bear in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bears in on
he/she/it
Past simple
bore in on
yesterday
Past participle
born/borne in on
have + pp
-ing form
bearing in on
continuous
Hear "bear in on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bear in on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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