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."
inseparable
bear with
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To be patient with someone or something; to tolerate a temporary inconvenience while waiting.
In plain English
To be patient and keep waiting while something is sorted out.
What does "bear with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bear (endure) alongside someone — to carry the wait or difficulty together.
Actually means
To be patient and keep waiting while something is sorted out.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "bear with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
me us moment patience delay speaker
How to conjugate "bear with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "bear with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bear with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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