Word
bearable
Phoneticsbear·able
US/ˈbɛɹəbəɫ/
UK/bˈeəɹəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that is not too bad to be comfortable or acceptable. You use this when a situation is difficult but you can still handle it.
adj. capable of being endured or tolerated without causing significant distress. Often used to describe physical discomfort, emotional stress, or unpleasant conditions.
Examples
“The heat was bearable during the day.”
“The noise from the construction site was bearable for a few hours, but it became impossible to work after dark.”
“While the initial symptoms of the illness were quite severe, the patient found the recovery process to be bearable with the help of regular medication and rest.”
Examples
simple
“The heat was bearable during the day.”
contextual
“The noise from the construction site was bearable for a few hours, but it became impossible to work after dark.”
complex
“While the initial symptoms of the illness were quite severe, the patient found the recovery process to be bearable with the help of regular medication and rest.”
Etymology
From Middle English berable, equivalent to bear + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bearable