Which should you use, bare or bear? The adjective bare means only the most basic or important. The verb bear has several meanings. It may mean to accept or tolerate something unpleasant, to bring, to produce, to support, or to change direction.
| Incorrect: |
What is the bear minimum to get into Yale? |
| Correct: |
What is the bare minimum to get into Yale? |
| Incorrect: |
She always comes baring gifts. |
| Correct: |
She always comes bearing gifts. |
| Incorrect: |
Many animals bare their young in spring. |
| Correct: |
Many animals bear their young in spring. |
