Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To exert influence upon; to have an impact or effect on something or someone.
   • To be relevant or applicable to a particular subject, person, or situation.
   • To maintain or continue a practice, condition, or state.

Usage and Examples

• To have an effect upon:
  • The new economic policies will bear on the inflation rate.
  • His lack of experience does not bear on his ability to lead.
• To be relevant to:
  • These regulations bear on the safety of all employees.
  • Your question bears on a topic we discussed last week.
• To maintain or continue:
  • It is important to bear on with our efforts despite the difficulties. (Note: This usage is less common and often appears as "carry on," but "bear on" can be used in a similar sustaining sense).

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Bear on" vs. "Bear upon": The phrases are generally interchangeable. "Bear upon" is a slightly more formal variant.
  • The evidence bears upon the defendant's alibi.
• Often used in formal, academic, or legal contexts to discuss relevance, influence, or application.
• The subject is typically an abstract concept (e.g., a law, fact, decision, comment) that connects to or impacts another concept.

Variants and Related Words

• Bear upon: A formal synonym for "bear on."
• Pertain to: To belong to or be connected with a subject. (e.g., )
• Relate to: To be connected or associated with. (e.g., )
• Affect: To produce a change in something. (e.g., )
• Apply to: To be relevant or appropriate. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Affect
• Influence
• Pertain to
• Relate to
• Concern
• Touch on
• Have a bearing on

Phrasal Verbs

• Bear on is itself a phrasal verb. Its core meaning is to be relevant or to exert influence.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Have a bearing on: To be relevant to or influence a situation. This is a very close synonym.
  • Your testimony could have a bearing on the jury's decision.

Verb

1. keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
   • preserve the peace in the family
   • continue the family tradition
   • Carry on the old traditions
2. press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action
   • He pushed her to finish her doctorate
3. have an effect upon
   • Will the new rules affect me?
4. be relevant to
   • There were lots of questions referring to her talk
   • My remark pertained to your earlier comments