Definition

1. Verb:
   • To have an effect upon; to influence or impact something: The primary meaning of "bear upon" is to exert an influence or to be relevant to a particular situation, person, or outcome. It describes a relationship where one thing applies to or changes another.

Usage

• The verb "bear upon" is used to connect a cause, factor, or consideration to its consequence or area of relevance. It is often used in more formal, academic, or analytical contexts.
• It typically follows the structure: [Factor] bears upon [Outcome/Subject].
• It can be used in both active and passive constructions.

Examples

• Active Voice:
  • The judge's personal beliefs should not bear upon her legal decisions. (The judge's beliefs should not influence her decisions.)
  • How does this new evidence bear upon the case? (How is this new evidence relevant to the case?)
• Passive Voice:
  • My final grade was borne upon by my performance in the final exam. (My final grade was affected by my exam performance.)

Advanced Usage

• "To have a bearing upon": This is a common synonymous phrase that emphasizes relevance or connection.
  • The witness's testimony had a direct bearing upon the jury's verdict. (The testimony directly influenced the verdict.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bear on: This is a more common phrasal verb with an identical meaning to "bear upon." The choice between "on" and "upon" is often stylistic, with "upon" being slightly more formal.
  • Economic factors bear on consumer confidence.
• Bearing (noun): Relevance or relation.
  • Your question has no bearing on the topic. (Your question is not relevant to the topic.)

Synonyms

• Affect: To produce a change in something.
• Influence: To have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
• Impact: To have a strong effect on someone or something.
• Pertain to: To be relevant or related to.
• Relate to: To be connected or associated with.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bear on: As noted above, it is functionally identical to "bear upon."
  • These financial pressures bear on our ability to hire new staff.

Related Idioms

• "To bring to bear": To apply or exert influence, pressure, or force.
  • We must bring all our resources to bear on this problem. (We must apply all our resources to this problem.)

Verb

1. have an effect upon
   • Will the new rules affect me?