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."
inseparable
bear on
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To be relevant to or have an effect on something; to apply pressure to something.
In plain English
To be connected to or important for a situation, or to press on something.
What does "bear on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bear (carry/press) on or upon something — to weigh or press down on it.
Actually means
To be connected to or important for a situation, or to press on something.
Usage tip
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.'
Words that pair with "bear on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
case issue question decision matter argument
How to conjugate "bear on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "bear on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bear on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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