bearing

[ bair-ing ]

noun

1. the manner in which one conducts or carries oneself, including posture and gestures:

   a man of dignified bearing.

   Synonyms: conduct, behavior, demeanor, mien, carriage

2. the act, capability, or period of producing or bringing forth:

   a tree past bearing.

3. something that is produced; a crop.
4. the act of enduring or capacity to endure.
5. reference or relation (usually followed by on ):

   It has some bearing on the problem.

   Synonyms: application, dependency, connection

6. Architecture.
   1. a supporting part of a structure.
   2. the area of contact between a bearing member, as a beam, and a pier, wall, or other underlying support.
7. Machinery. the support and guide for a rotating, oscillating, or sliding shaft, pivot, or wheel.
8. Often bearings. direction or relative position:

   The pilot radioed his bearings.

   Synonyms: aim, course

9. Surveying. a horizontal direction expressed in degrees east or west of a true or magnetic north or south direction.
10. Heraldry. any single device on an escutcheon; charge.

bearing

/ ˈbɛərɪŋ /

noun

1. a support, guide, or locating piece for a rotating or reciprocating mechanical part
2. foll byon or upon relevance (to)

   it has no bearing on this problem

3. a person's general social conduct, esp in manners, dress, and behaviour
4. 1. the act, period, or capability of producing fruit or young
   2. an amount produced; yield
5. the part of a beam or lintel that rests on a support
6. anything that carries weight or acts as a support
7. the angular direction of a line, point, or course measured from true north or south ( true bearing ), magnetic north or south ( magnetic bearing ), or one's own position
8. usually plural the position or direction, as of a ship, fixed with reference to two or more known points
9. usually plural a sense of one's relative position or situation; orientation (esp in the phrases lose , get , or take one's bearings )
10. heraldry
    1. a device or emblem on a heraldic shield; charge
    2. another name for coat of arms

Other Words From

• un·bearing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bearing¹

First recorded in 1200–50, bearing is from the Middle English word beryng. See bear ¹, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See manner ¹.

Example Sentences

They were trying to check under the floor to see if that section would be able to hold the lens while it was off its bearing when they found the bottle.

From BBC

Becca ended up inevitably with some vintage sweater bearing a college logo.

From Los Angeles Times

Before May 7, Glia was able to send seven to 10 international volunteers into Gaza every two weeks, bearing essential medical supplies, which cannot reach the territory by any other authorized means.

From Salon

Announcing Qassem's promotion, Hezbollah released a statement describing him as "bearing the blessed banner in this march".

From BBC

After all, Zachary had worn Dodgers gear to school, drawing from a wardrobe that includes several shirts bearing the name of his favorite player, Freddie Freeman.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demeanor
• manner