Phrasal verb
bear up
Definition
phrasal verb. to stay brave and strong during a difficult or sad time. You use this when someone is dealing with a tough situation like a loss or a lot of stress.
phrasal verb. to remain courageous or resilient under pressure, grief, or adversity. The verb is intransitive and describes the subject's internal state rather than an action performed on an object.
Examples
“She is bearing up well after the bad news.”
“Despite the heavy workload and tight deadlines, the team is bearing up under the pressure.”
“The family is bearing up with remarkable dignity following the sudden loss of their patriarch.”
Examples
simple
“She is bearing up well after the bad news.”
contextual
“Despite the heavy workload and tight deadlines, the team is bearing up under the pressure.”
complex
“The family is bearing up with remarkable dignity following the sudden loss of their patriarch.”
Usage
This phrase is intransitive and often appears with the adverb 'well' or the preposition 'under'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'cope' or 'manage'; 'bear up' specifically highlights the person's inner strength or bravery during a trial.
Pitfall
He is bearing up the stress.
He is bearing up under the stress.
The verb is intransitive, so it cannot take a direct object like 'stress' without a preposition.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bear + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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