You've probably noticed by now that some words in English take on different meanings depending on context. The word
BEAR is a good example. Most students know the animal. There are grizzly bears and brown bears and polar bears, and apparently, on this wallpaper from a local burger joint, dancing bears! :-)
Another common meaning of
BEAR is to carry or endure something heavy or difficult. In this context, you usually
BEAR a burden or a heavy load, which often refers to a problem. You can also
BEAR someone's attacks. For example, politicians often have to
BEAR frequent attacks and scrutiny from the public or the media.
We also use the word
BEAR when we talk about someone giving birth, though this usage is a bit formal: She
BORE a son when she was in her 20s and a daughter when she was in her 30s. That's right; the past tense of
BEAR is
BORE.
