bear down

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Explanation of "Bear Down"

Definition: The phrase "bear down" is a verb that means to exert a force or pressure on something, often causing strain or emphasizing an effort. It can also refer to concentrating one’s efforts or attention on a task.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You can use "bear down" in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It often describes situations where someone is applying pressure, making a strong effort, or focusing intensely on something.
• Form: The phrase is typically used in the present or past tense (e.g., "bears down," "bore down").

Examples:

1. Physical Pressure:

   • "The heavy snowfall bore down on the roof, making it creak."
   • "The teacher bore down on the students to ensure they understood the lesson."

2. Concentrating Efforts:

   • "She decided to bear down and study for her exams instead of going out with friends."
   • "During the final minutes of the game, the team bore down and played their hardest."

Advanced Usage:

• In sports, "bear down" can refer to an athlete giving their maximum effort to achieve a goal, like a pitcher focusing intensely before throwing the ball.
• In a work context, it can mean to concentrate on completing a project or meeting a deadline.

Word Variants:

• Bearing down (gerund): The act of applying force or pressure.
• Bore down (past tense): Used to describe a completed action of applying force or focus.

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Context: To apply heavy pressure, as in weight or force.

   • Example: "The elephant bore down on the branch, causing it to break."

2. Figurative Context: To focus attention or effort.

   • Example: "He bore down on the issue, determined to find a solution."

Synonyms:

• Press down
• Apply pressure
• Intensify
• Focus
• Concentrate

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Bear down on: This can mean to approach someone or something with determination or aggression.

  • Example: "The manager bore down on the team to meet the deadline."

• Bear up: A related phrase that means to endure or withstand a difficult situation.

  • Example: "She had to bear up under the strain of her responsibilities."

Summary:

"Bear down" is a versatile phrase used to describe applying pressure or intensifying focus on a task or situation.

Academic

Verb

1. exert a force or cause a strain upon
   • This tax bears down on the lower middle class
2. pay special attention to
   • The lectures bore down on the political background
3. exert full strength
   • The pitcher bore down
4. to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
   • he saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork
5. contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery
6. exert a force with a heavy weight
   • The snow bore down on the roof

Synonyms

• charge
• overbear
• drag down
• bear down on
• press down on
• weigh down