Bear up – Definition & Meaning

“Bear up” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in the English language. It is used to describe a person’s ability to withstand or cope with a difficult situation or a challenging circumstance. The phrase is often used to encourage someone who is going through a tough time to stay strong and persevere.

Definitions

The phrase “bear up” has several definitions, including:

1. To endure or tolerate a difficult situation or circumstance.
2. To remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
3. To support or carry a heavy load or burden.

Origin

The origin of the phrase “bear up” can be traced back to the Old English word “beran,” which means “to carry.” Over time, the phrase evolved to include the idea of enduring or tolerating a difficult situation.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of “bear up” in different dictionaries is consistent with the definitions provided above. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “bear up” as “to endure or withstand hardship or stress.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to support or carry a load or burden, either physically or emotionally.”

Associations

The phrase “bear up” is often associated with strength, resilience, and perseverance. It is commonly used in situations where someone is facing a difficult challenge or obstacle and needs encouragement to stay strong and keep going.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for the phrase “bear up,” including:

1. Endure.
2. Tolerate.
3. Persevere.
4. Withstand.
5. Sustain.

Antonyms

The antonyms of “bear up” include:

1. Collapse.
2. Give up.
3. Surrender.
4. Yield.
5. Succumb.

The same root words

The phrase “bear up” shares the same root word as several other English words, including:

1. Bearer.
2. Bearing.
3. Unbearable.

Example Sentences

Here are some examples of how the phrase “bear up” can be used in context:

1. Despite the pain, he managed to bear up and finish the race.
2. She’s been through a lot, but she continues to bear up and stay positive.
3. The bridge was designed to bear up under the weight of heavy traffic.
4. The loss was almost unbearable, but she managed to bear up and carry on.
5. He couldn’t bear up under the pressure and eventually quit his job.