Bear vs. Dear — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
"Bear" refers to a large mammal or the act of carrying. "Dear" means beloved or can indicate the high cost of something.
Difference Between Bear and Dear
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word Bear can be used to describe a type of large mammal known for its strength and often found in the wild. They are characterized by broad shoulders, shaggy hair, and a stocky build. Conversely, Dear is a term of endearment or affection, often used to address someone you care about, such as in a letter or when speaking to a loved one.
In another sense, to Bear something means to carry or support it. This can refer to physically carrying an object, shouldering a responsibility, or enduring a hardship. In contrast, Dear can also refer to the cost or value of something, indicating that it's expensive or valuable, as in "too dear a price to pay."
Bear can also be used in a more metaphorical sense, as in "bearing witness" to an event or "bearing fruit," which means producing results. On the other hand, Dear can be employed to express surprise or sympathy, like "Oh dear!" when something goes wrong.
When talking about direction, Bear can mean to move or be oriented in a certain direction, as in "bear left at the fork." Meanwhile, Dear in terms of pricing can indicate that something is priced higher than expected or is of significant value.
Lastly, Bear can signify the act of giving birth when referring to large mammals. This is a more specific and less common use. In stark contrast, Dear can be a polite way to begin formal letters or communications, signifying respect or affection towards the recipient.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Refers to a large mammal.
A term of endearment or affection.
Secondary Meaning
To carry, support, or endure.
Indicating high cost or value.
Metaphorical Use
"Bearing fruit" means producing results.
"Dear" as in a surprising or regretful event ("Oh dear!").
Direction
To move or be oriented in a certain direction.
N/A
Specific Context
To give birth (for large mammals).
Used to begin formal letters or communications.
Compare with Definitions
Bear
A large mammal, often with shaggy hair.
The grizzly bear is native to North America.
Dear
An exclamation of surprise or sympathy.
Oh dear, I forgot my keys!
Bear
To produce or yield, especially fruit.
The apple tree bears fruit every fall.
Dear
Regarded with deep affection
He is very dear to me
A dear friend
Bear
Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans.
Dear
Expensive
Five pounds—that's a bit dear!
Bear
To carry (something) on one's person from one place to another
Bore the suitcase to the station.
Dear
Used as an affectionate or friendly form of address
Don't you worry, dear
Bear
To move from one place to another while containing or supporting (something); convey or transport
A train bearing grain.
Dear
At a high cost
They buy property cheaply and sell dear
Bear
To cause to move by or with steady pressure; push
A boat borne along by the current.
Dear
Used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy
Oh dear, I've upset you
Bear
To carry or hold in the mind over time; harbor
Bear a grudge.
Bear ill will.
Dear
Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.
Bear
To have as a visible characteristic or attribute
A letter bearing his name.
Dear
Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.
Bear
To conduct (oneself) in a specified way
She bore herself with dignity.
Dear
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Bear
To hold up; support
This wall bears much of the weight of the roof.
Dear
High-priced; expensive.
Bear
To be accountable for; assume
Bearing heavy responsibilities.
Dear
Charging high prices.
Bear
To have a tolerance for; endure
Couldn't bear his lying.
Can't bear to see them leave.
Dear
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Bear
To have grounds for; call for; warrant
This case bears investigation.
Dear
(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.
Bear
To give birth to
Bore six children.
Dear
Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.
Bear
To produce; yield
Plants bearing fruit.
Dear
Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.
Bear
To offer; render
I will bear witness to the deed.
Dear
A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.
Bear
To yield fruit; produce
Peach trees that bear every summer.
Dear
An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.
Bear
To have relevance or influence; apply
They studied how the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
Dear
With fondness; affectionately.
Bear
To endure something with tolerance or patience
Bear with me while I explain what happened.
Dear
At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.
Bear
To extend or proceed in a specified direction
The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.
Dear
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.
Bear
To be directed or aimed in a certain direction or at a target
The guns were brought to bear upon the approaching fleet.
Dear
(UK) High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
Bear
Any of various usually omnivorous mammals of the family Ursidae that have a shaggy coat and a short tail and walk with the entire lower surface of the foot touching the ground.
Dear
Loved; lovable.
Bear
Any of various other animals, such as the koala, that resemble a true bear.
Dear
Lovely; kind.
Bear
A large, clumsy, or ill-mannered person.
Dear
Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
Bear
One, such as an investor, that sells securities or commodities in expectation of falling prices.
Dear
Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
Bear
A pessimist, especially regarding business conditions.
Dear
A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:nb....
Bear
(Slang) Something that is difficult or unpleasant
The final exam was a bear.
Dear
A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
Bear
(Slang) A highway patrol officer.
Dear
An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on, but over my knee!
Bear
(Slang) A hairy, stocky gay man.
Dear
(obsolete) Noble.
Bear
Characterized by falling prices
A bear market.
Dear
Severe, or severely affected; sore.
Bear
A large, generally omnivorous mammal (a few species are purely carnivorous or herbivorous), related to the dog and raccoon, having shaggy hair, a very small tail, and flat feet; a member of the family Ursidae.
Dear
(obsolete) Fierce.
The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.
Bear
The meat of this animal.
We had barbecued bear for dinner.
Dear
A very kind, loving person.
My little cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.
Bear
(figuratively) A rough, unmannerly, uncouth person.
Dear
A beloved person.
Bear
(finance) An investor who sells commodities, securities, or futures in anticipation of a fall in prices.
Dear
An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
Pass me the salt, would you dear?
Bear
A state policeman short for Smokey Bear.
Dear
An elderly person, especially a woman.
Bear
(gay slang) A large, hairy man, especially one who is homosexual.
Dear
(obsolete) To endear.
Bear
(engineering) A portable punching machine.
Dear
Dearly; at a high price.
Bear
(nautical) A block covered with coarse matting, used to scour the deck.
Dear
(dated) Indicating surprise, pity, or disapproval.
Dear, dear! Whatever were they thinking?
Bear
(cartomancy) The fifteenth Lenormand card.
Dear
Bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.
Bear
Something difficult or tiresome; a burden or chore.
That window can be a bear to open.
Dear
Marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.
Bear
(obsolete) A pillowcase; a fabric case or covering as for a pillow.
Dear
Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.
Neither count I my life dear unto myself.
And the last joy was dearer than the rest.
Dear as remember'd kisses after death.
Bear
To endeavour to depress the price of, or prices in.
To bear a railroad stock
To bear the market
Dear
Hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.
[I'll] leave you to attend him: some dear causeWill in concealment wrap me up awhile.
His dearest wish was to escape from the bustle and glitter of Whitehall.
Bear
To carry or convey, literally or figuratively.
They came bearing gifts.
Judging from the look on his face, he wasn't bearing good news.
The little boat bore us to our destination.
This plant's light and fluffy seeds may be borne by the wind to remote islands.
Dear
Of disagreeable things and antipathies.
In our dear peril.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heavenOr ever I had seen that day.
Bear
To carry upon one's person, especially visibly; to be equipped with.
The right to bear arms
Dear
A dear one; lover; sweetheart.
That kiss I carried from thee, dear.
Bear
To wear. en
Dear
Dearly; at a high price.
If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.
Bear
To carry (offspring in the womb), to be pregnant (with).
The scan showed that the ewe was bearing twins.
Dear
To endear.
Bear
(transitive) To have or display (a mark or other feature).
She still bears the scars from a cycling accident.
The stone bears a short inscription.
This bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.
Dear
A beloved person; used as terms of endearment
Bear
(transitive) To display (a particular heraldic device) on a shield or coat of arms; to be entitled to wear or use (a heraldic device) as a coat of arms.
The shield bore a red cross.
Dear
A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
Bear
(transitive) To present or exhibit (a particular outward appearance); to have (a certain look).
He bore the look of a defeated man.
Dear
Dearly loved
Bear
(transitive) To have (a name, title, or designation).
The school still bears the name of its founder.
Dear
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Bear
(transitive) To possess or enjoy (recognition, renown, a reputation, etc.); to have (a particular price, value, or worth).
The dictator bears a terrible reputation for cruelty.
Dear
Earnest;
One's dearest wish
Devout wishes for their success
Heartfelt condolences
Bear
To have (interest or a specified rate of interest) stipulated in its terms.
The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 3.5%.
Dear
Having a high price;
Costly jewelry
High-priced merchandise
Much too dear for my pocketbook
A pricey restaurant
Bear
To have (an appendage, organ, etc.) as part of the body; (of a part of the body) to have (an appendage).
Only the male Indian elephant bears tusks.
Dear
With affection;
She loved him dearly
He treats her affectionately
Bear
(transitive) To carry or hold in the mind; to experience, entertain, harbour (an idea, feeling, or emotion).
To bear a grudge, to bear ill will
Dear
At a great cost;
He paid dearly for the food
This cost him dear
Bear
To feel and show (respect, reverence, loyalty, etc.) to, towards, or unto a person or thing.
The brothers had always borne one another respect.
Dear
Loved or cherished.
My dear friend helped me in tough times.
Bear
(transitive) To possess inherently (a quality, attribute, power, or capacity); to have and display as an essential characteristic.
To bear life
Dear
High in price or cost.
The painting was too dear for me to buy.
Bear
To have (a relation, correspondence, etc.) to something else.
The punishment bears no relation to the crime.
Dear
A polite way to address someone at the beginning of a letter.
Dear Sir/Madam.
Bear
(transitive) To give (written or oral testimony or evidence); (figurative) to provide or constitute (evidence or proof), give witness.
His achievements bear testimony to his ability.
The jury could see he was bearing false witness.
Bear
(transitive) To have (a certain meaning, intent, or effect).
This word no longer bears its original meaning.
Bear
To behave or conduct (oneself).
She bore herself well throughout the ordeal.
Bear
To possess and use, to exercise (power or influence); to hold (an office, rank, or position).
Bear
To carry a burden or burdens.
Bear
To take or bring (a person) with oneself; to conduct.
Bear
To support, sustain, or endure.
Bear
(transitive) To support or sustain; to hold up.
This stone bears most of the weight.
Bear
To endure or withstand (hardship, scrutiny, etc.); to tolerate; to be patient (with).
The pain is too much for me to bear.
I would never move to Texas — I can't bear heat.
This reasoning will not bear much analysis.
Please bear with me as I try to find the book you need.
Bear
(transitive) To sustain, or be answerable for (blame, expense, responsibility, etc.).
The hirer must bear the cost of any repairs.
Bear
(transitive) To admit or be capable of (a meaning); to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
Bear
(transitive) To warrant, justify the need for.
This storm definitely bears monitoring.
Bear
To support, keep up, or maintain.
Bear
(transitive) To afford, to be something to someone, to supply with something. en
Bear
(transitive) To carry on, or maintain; to have. en
Bear
To press or impinge upon.
Bear
To push, thrust, press.
The rope has frayed where it bears on the rim of the wheel.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; to be relevant.
To bring arguments to bear
How does this bear on the question?
Bear
Of a weapon, to be aimed at an enemy or other target.
The cannons were wheeled around to bear upon the advancing troops.
Bear
To produce, yield, give birth to.
Bear
To give birth to (someone or something) may take the father of the direct object as an indirect object.
In Troy she becomes Paris’ wife, bearing him several children, all of whom die in infancy.
Bear
To produce or yield something, such as fruit or crops.
This year our apple trees bore a good crop of fruit.
Bear
To be, or head, in a specific direction or azimuth (from somewhere).
Carry on past the church and then bear left at the junction.
By my readings, we're bearing due south, so we should turn about ten degrees east.
Great Falls bears north of Bozeman.
Bear
To gain or win.
Bear
Characterized by declining prices in securities markets or by belief that the prices will fall.
The great bear market starting in 1929 scared a whole generation of investors.
Bear
To support or sustain; to hold up.
Bear
To support and remove or carry; to convey.
I 'll bear your logs the while.
Bear
To conduct; to bring; - said of persons.
Bear them to my house.
Bear
To possess and use, as power; to exercise.
Every man should bear rule in his own house.
Bear
To sustain; to have on (written or inscribed, or as a mark), as, the tablet bears this inscription.
Bear
To possess or carry, as a mark of authority or distinction; to wear; as, to bear a sword, badge, or name.
Bear
To possess mentally; to carry or hold in the mind; to entertain; to harbor
The ancient grudge I bear him.
Bear
To endure; to tolerate; to undergo; to suffer.
Should such a man, too fond to rule alone,Bear, like the Turk, no brother near the throne.
I cannot bearThe murmur of this lake to hear.
My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Bear
To gain or win.
Some think to bear it by speaking a great word.
She was . . . found not guilty, through bearing of friends and bribing of the judge.
Bear
To sustain, or be answerable for, as blame, expense, responsibility, etc.
He shall bear their iniquities.
Somewhat that will bear your charges.
Bear
To render or give; to bring forward.
Bear
To carry on, or maintain; to have.
Bear
To admit or be capable of; that is, to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
In all criminal cases the most favorable interpretation should be put on words that they can possibly bear.
Bear
To manage, wield, or direct.
Hath he borne himself penitently in prison?
Bear
To afford; to be to; to supply with.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
Bear
To bring forth or produce; to yield; as, to bear apples; to bear children; to bear interest.
Here dwelt the man divine whom Samos bore.
Bear
To produce, as fruit; to be fruitful, in opposition to barrenness.
This age to blossom, and the next to bear.
Bear
To suffer, as in carrying a burden.
But man is born to bear.
Bear
To endure with patience; to be patient.
I can not, can not bear.
Bear
To press; - with on or upon, or against.
These men bear hard on the suspected party.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; as, to bring matters to bear.
Bear
To relate or refer; - with on or upon; as, how does this bear on the question?
Bear
To have a certain meaning, intent, or effect.
Her sentence bore that she should stand a certain time upon the platform.
Bear
To be situated, as to the point of compass, with respect to something else; as, the land bears N. by E.
Bear
To endeavor to depress the price of, or prices in; as, to bear a railroad stock; to bear the market.
Bear
A bier.
Bear
Any species of the genus Ursus, and of the closely allied genera. Bears are plantigrade Carnivora, but they live largely on fruit and insects.
Bear
An animal which has some resemblance to a bear in form or habits, but no real affinity; as, the woolly bear; ant bear; water bear; sea bear.
Bear
One of two constellations in the northern hemisphere, called respectively the Great Bear and the Lesser Bear, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Bear
Metaphorically: A brutal, coarse, or morose person.
Bear
A person who sells stocks or securities for future delivery in expectation of a fall in the market.
Bear
A portable punching machine.
Bear
A block covered with coarse matting; - used to scour the deck.
Bear
Barley; the six-rowed barley or the four-rowed barley, commonly the former (Hordeum hexastichon or Hordeum vulgare).
Bear
Massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
Bear
An investor with a pessimistic market outlook; an investor who expects prices to fall and so sells now in order to buy later at a lower price
Bear
Have;
Bear a resemblance
Bear a signature
Bear
Give birth (to a newborn);
My wife had twins yesterday!
Bear
Put up with something or somebody unpleasant;
I cannot bear his constant criticism
The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
He learned to tolerate the heat
She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage
Bear
Move while holding up or supporting;
Bear gifts
Bear a heavy load
Bear news
Bearing orders
Bear
Bring forth,
The apple tree bore delicious apples this year
The unidentified plant bore gorgeous flowers
Bear
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
Bear
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Bear
Bring in;
Interest-bearing accounts
How much does this savings certificate pay annually?
Bear
Have on one's person;
He wore a red ribbon
Bear a scar
Bear
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Bear
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Bear
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Bear
Be pregnant with;
She is bearing his child
The are expecting another child in January
I am carrying his child
Bear
To carry or support something.
She can't bear the weight of the heavy box.
Bear
To endure or tolerate.
He bore the pain with great courage.
Bear
To give birth (for large mammals).
The panda bore two cubs last spring.
Common Curiosities
Can "bear" mean to tolerate something?
Yes, like in "I can't bear the noise."
What does "bear fruit" mean?
It means to produce results or outcomes.
Is "dear" always used affectionately?
Mostly, but it can also refer to something expensive.
Can "dear" refer to a loved one?
Yes, it can mean a beloved person.
Do bears only refer to the animal?
No, it can also mean to carry, support, or give birth among others.
What does "dear" mean in "dear me!"?
It's an exclamation of surprise, regret, or sympathy.
Can "bear" signify strength?
Yes, often symbolizing endurance or tolerance.
Can "dear" start a formal letter?
Yes, it's a common salutation like "Dear Sir/Madam."
How is "dear" used in commerce?
It can indicate that something is of high cost or value.
How is "dear" used to show affection?
It can address someone affectionately, like "my dear friend."
Can "bear" indicate direction?
Yes, like "bear left at the junction."
Is "bear" related to birth?
Yes, it can mean to give birth, especially for large mammals.
In what context is "dear" not affectionate?
When it refers to high cost, as in "too dear."
Is "bear" a noun and a verb?
Yes, it can refer to the animal (noun) or actions like carrying (verb).
Does "bear" have an opposite?
In stock markets, opposite to a "bull" market, a "bear" market signifies a decline.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
