# bear out

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bear-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to show that something is true or to support a piece of information with evidence.

For teachers: to confirm or substantiate a claim, theory, or prediction; often used in formal or academic contexts regarding evidence.

## Examples

- The latest data bear out his theory.
- The witness's story was borne out by the security camera footage from that night.
- Initial concerns regarding the project's feasibility were borne out by the significant technical failures encountered during the testing phase.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The facts born out his story." but "The facts bore out his story." — the past tense of 'bear' is 'bore', and the past participle is 'borne'; 'born' is only for birth.

## Usage notes

- often used in the passive voice ('is borne out by') and typically takes evidence or facts as the subject.
- Teaching tip: remind students that the past participle is 'borne' (with an 'e'), which is often confused with 'born' (related to birth).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.