bear down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumSemi-formal to informal
Quick answer
What does “bear down” mean?
To apply intense pressure or force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To apply intense pressure or force; to make a concentrated effort, especially to overcome something.
To move forcefully or threateningly toward someone or something; to exert downward pressure (e.g., in childbirth).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Similar meaning, but slightly more common in American sports contexts (e.g., football).
Connotations
In both varieties, can have a slightly aggressive or determined tone.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in journalistic and sports reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “bear down” in a Sentence
bear down on [sb/sth]bear down with [force/determination]bear down to [achieve something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bear down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goalkeeper bore down on the attacker.
- She had to bear down to complete her dissertation on time.
American English
- The defense bore down on the quarterback.
- Bear down and get this project finished.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe intense focus on meeting a deadline or target: 'We need to bear down and finish the quarterly report.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical/military texts describing troop movements.
Everyday
Common in sports commentary and describing weather: 'The defender bore down on the striker.' / 'Dark clouds bore down on the city.'
Technical
Used in medical contexts related to childbirth (bearing down during contractions).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bear down”
- Using 'bear down' without 'on' when a target is implied.
- Confusing with 'bear up' (to withstand).
- Misspelling as 'bare down'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is semi-formal to informal. Common in speech, journalism, and sports commentary, but less common in very formal writing.
Yes, when the object of the pressure is clear from context (e.g., 'Bear down!' as encouragement) or in intransitive uses (e.g., in childbirth).
'Bear down' often implies sustained, determined effort or a threatening advance, while 'press down' is more neutral and physical.
No. It comes from the verb 'to bear' meaning to carry or sustain a force. The animal is a homograph.
To apply intense pressure or force.
Bear down: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbeə ˈdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɛr ˈdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bear down on the final stretch.”
- “The storm bore down on the coast.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BEAR coming DOWN a mountain toward you—forceful, focused, and unstoppable.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A DOWNWARD FORCE / FOCUS IS A PHYSICAL PUSH
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bear down' LEAST likely to be used?