The Bear With Me or Bare With Me: Which Is Right? The phrase “bear with me” is a request for patience or forbearance. It’s an acknowledgment that the speaker is about to say something that might be difficult to hear, or that they may need a little time to get through what they’re saying.
The word “bear” has many meanings, including carrying, support, endure, or put up with. The word “bare,” on the other hand, means naked or unclothed.
What Does Bear With Me Mean?
The phrase “bear with me” is a request for patience or forbearance. It’s an acknowledgment that the speaker is about to say something that might be difficult to hear, or that they may need a little time to get through what they’re saying.
You might use this phrase when you’re about to give someone bad news, when you’re explaining something complex, or when you’re interrupted in the middle of speaking. For example, if you were in the middle of giving a presentation and your computer crashed, you might say to your audience, “Bear with me while I restart my computer.”
Here are a few more examples of how this phrase can be used:
- “I know this is tough to hear, but bear with me.”
- “I’m not sure how to say this, so bear with me.”
- “Let me get through this before you ask any questions, OK? Just bear with me.”
How to Use Bear With Me
This phrase is used as an idiomatic request for patience, so it’s not something you would use in everyday conversation. It’s more likely that you’ll hear it used in professional or formal situations.
If you’re using this phrase in writing, note that it’s usually followed by a comma: “Bear with me, please.”
Keep in mind that this phrase can come across as condescending if you’re not careful. If you use it too often, or if you use it with people who are already impatient, it might make the situation worse. In general, it’s best to reserve this phrase for when you need it.
What’s the Origin of Bear With Me?
The phrase “bear with me” has been used in English since the early 1400s. It’s unclear where it comes from, but it may be related to the biblical injunction to “bear one another’s burdens” from Galatians 6:2.
It’s also possible that the phrase is simply a literal translation of a similar Latin phrase, which would have been used by scholars in the Middle Ages. The Latin phrase is “ferre cum aliquo,” which means “to carry with someone.”
What does the phrase “Bare with me” mean?
The phrase “bare with me” is simply incorrect. While both words have roots in Old English, their usage has diverged over time. In modern English, you would never use “bare” in place of “bear.”
If you’re ever unsure about which word to use, you can check a dictionary or consult a grammar guide. Or, if you’re stuck, you can always remember the phrase “bear with me” by thinking about a patient bear who’s putting up with something annoying.
The Bear With Me or Bare With Me: Which Is Right? What are some alternative phrases
If you’re looking for a different way to say “bear with me,” there are several options available. Here are a few alternative phrases that you could use:
- Hold on a second
- Just a minute
- Let me finish
- Let me get through this
- Please be patient
- I’m almost done
- I’ll be quick
- I know this is tough to hear, but…
These are just a few examples of what you could say instead of “bear with me.” Feel free to mix and match these phrases until you find the one that feels right for the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “bear with me” is a request for patience or forbearance. It’s an acknowledgment that the speaker is about to say something that might be difficult to hear, or that they may need a little time to get through what they’re saying.
The confusion between “bear with me” and “bare with me” may have started because of the similar spelling and pronunciation of these two phrases. The phrase “bare with me” doesn’t make much sense, so this is likely just a mistake that people have made over time.
If you want to avoid making this mistake yourself, remember that the phrase you’re looking for is “bear with me.” This is the only phrase that has been in use for centuries, and it’s the only one that makes sense in context. So when in doubt, go with “bear with me.”
There are several alternative phrases that you could use instead of “bear with me,” depending on the situation. Some examples include: “hold on a second,” “let me finish,” and “please be patient.”
In general, it’s best to reserve this phrase for when you need it, as it can come across as condescending if you’re not careful. If you use it too often, or with people who are already impatient, it might make the situation worse.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between “bear with me” and “bare with me”?
A: “Bear with me” means to be patient, while “bare with me” means to strip down (usually emotionally). So, if you’re asking someone to be patient while you figure something out, you would say “bear with me.” If you’re asking someone to emotionally strip down so that you can better understand them, you would say “bare with me.”
Here’s a tip: The phrase “bear with me” is more common than “bare with me,” so unless you’re intentionally trying to be funny or clever, it’s probably best to stick with “bear with me.”
