Differences between bear down and bear with
Bear down means to focus and work hard on a task or to apply pressure, while bear with means to be patient and tolerant with someone or something.
Meanings and Definitions: bear down vs bear with
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bear down
- 1To approach quickly and forcefully.
I could see a police car bearing down on us.
- 2To exert pressure or force.
It’s a natural instinct for a woman giving birth to bear down.
- 3To put pressure or weight on someone or something.
These two things seemed to bear down on me with all the weight of a personal failure.
Bear with
- 1Be patient.
Please BEAR WITH me a moment while I finish this email.
Usage Examples: bear down, bear with in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bear down
Example
When lifting heavy objects, it's important to bear down and use your legs.
Example
She bears down on the pencil when she writes, causing it to break easily.
bear with
Example
Please bear with me while I find the right document.
Example
She bears with her students when they struggle to understand a concept.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bear down
focus on
To concentrate or direct one's attention on a specific task or goal.
Example
She needed to focus on her studies to pass the final exams.
put pressure on
To apply force or stress on someone or something to achieve a desired outcome.
Example
The coach told the team to put pressure on the opponent's defense to score a goal.
work hard
To put in effort and energy to accomplish a task or goal.
Example
He had to work hard to meet the project deadline and impress his boss.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bear with
be patient
To remain calm and understanding in a difficult or challenging situation.
Example
Please be patient with me while I try to fix the technical issue.
tolerate
To accept or endure someone or something that is unpleasant or annoying.
Example
She had to tolerate her noisy neighbors until she could move out.
put up with
To endure or tolerate someone or something that is difficult or annoying.
Example
He had to put up with his boss's constant criticism until he found a new job.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bear”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- lay down
- wave down
- scale down
- take down
- blow down
Phrasal Verbs with “with”
Differences in bear down vs bear with: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bear down or bear with?
In daily conversation, people use bear with more often than bear down. This is because bear with is used in various situations where patience and understanding are required. Bear down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about working hard on a task or applying pressure. So, while both phrases are used, bear with is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bear down and bear with
Bear down and bear with are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bear down and bear with
The tone of bear down and bear with can differ based on context. Bear down often carries a determined or forceful tone when related to working hard or applying pressure, while bear with typically has a patient and understanding tone, especially when referring to tolerating someone or something.
bear down & bear with: Synonyms and Antonyms
Bear down
Synonyms
- concentrate
- approach
- advance
- exert pressure
- push
- press
- focus
Antonyms
- release
- relax
- ease up
- let go
- retreat
- withdraw
