Bear on
verb
To have an effect on something or to be relevant.
His personal problems must not bear on his ability to teach.
Often appears as...
- bear on a problem
- bear on a decision
verb
To apply or direct oneself; to make an effort towards.
He's doing all he can to bear on the case.
Often appears as...
- bear on a case
- bear on a task
verb
To be closely related to a subject or issue.
Our discussion today will bear on the economic situation of the country.
Often appears as...
- bear on a situation
- bear on an issue
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To have an effect on something or to be relevant.
His personal problems must not bear on his ability to teach.
Often appears as...
- bear on a problem
- bear on a decision
verb
To apply or direct oneself; to make an effort towards.
He's doing all he can to bear on the case.
Often appears as...
- bear on a case
- bear on a task
verb
To be closely related to a subject or issue.
Our discussion today will bear on the economic situation of the country.
Often appears as...
- bear on a situation
- bear on an issue
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Context Importance
Understanding the situation is key to explaining how something 'bears on' another.
The budget restrictions bear on our ability to hire more staff.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Visible
The effect or relevance is not always obvious and may require explanation.
Her decision to study abroad bears on her future career in ways you might not see.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase doesn't imply if the effect is positive or negative, just that it exists.
Climate change bears on global agriculture patterns.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Importance
Understanding the situation is key to explaining how something 'bears on' another.
The budget restrictions bear on our ability to hire more staff.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Visible
The effect or relevance is not always obvious and may require explanation.
Her decision to study abroad bears on her future career in ways you might not see.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase doesn't imply if the effect is positive or negative, just that it exists.
Climate change bears on global agriculture patterns.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Importance
Understanding the situation is key to explaining how something 'bears on' another.
The budget restrictions bear on our ability to hire more staff.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Visible
The effect or relevance is not always obvious and may require explanation.
Her decision to study abroad bears on her future career in ways you might not see.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase doesn't imply if the effect is positive or negative, just that it exists.
Climate change bears on global agriculture patterns.
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