Forbearing vs. Bearing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 4, 2024
Forbearing involves patience and restraint in the face of provocation or delay, while bearing refers to carrying or supporting something, either physically or metaphorically.
Key Differences
Forbearing is an action characterized by patience, self-control, and tolerance, especially when faced with annoyance or provocation. It implies a deliberate choice to refrain from reacting in anger or impatience. On the other hand, bearing involves carrying, supporting, or sustaining something. This can be physical, as in bearing a weight, or figurative, such as bearing a responsibility or emotion. While forbearance is about withholding or restraining oneself, bearing is about enduring or carrying burdens.
Forbearance demonstrates emotional strength and maturity, highlighting an individual's ability to manage their reactions and emotions effectively. Conversely, bearing can signify both strength and burden, indicating the capacity to carry loads or responsibilities but also the weight that comes with them. Forbearance is often seen as a virtue, associated with patience and wisdom, whereas bearing is more neutral, focusing on the act of holding or carrying without implying any moral judgment.
The concept of forbearing is closely related to tolerance and empathy, as it involves understanding and patience towards others' faults or missteps. Bearing, however, is more about resilience and endurance, the ability to continue despite difficulties or challenges. Forbearance can lead to peaceful resolutions and improved relationships, as it encourages a thoughtful and measured response to potential conflicts. Bearing, in its essence, is about persistence and the capacity to withstand pressures, both physical and emotional.
Forbearing is an emotional and psychological stance of restraint and patience, often in social or interpersonal contexts. Bearing, meanwhile, refers to the physical or metaphorical act of carrying or supporting, emphasizing the capacity to endure or sustain burdens over time.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Exercising patience and restraint
Carrying or supporting something
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Nature
Emotional and psychological
Physical and metaphorical
Associated with
Patience, tolerance, empathy
Strength, endurance, resilience
Contexts
Social, interpersonal
Broad, including physical, emotional, and situational
Focus
Restraint and emotional control
Endurance and capacity to sustain
Forbearing and Bearing Definitions
Forbearing
Withholding criticism or punishment.
The teacher was forbearing with the disruptive student.
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Bearing
Sustaining emotionally or mentally.
Bearing the news of his departure was difficult.
Forbearing
Choosing not to respond in anger.
He was forbearing when faced with unfair criticism.
Bearing
Relating to direction or position.
The ship adjusted its bearing towards the north.
Forbearing
Exercising patience under provocation.
Despite the insults, she remained forbearing.
Bearing
The manner in which one carries or conducts oneself
The poise and bearing of a champion.
Forbearing
To keep oneself from doing something; hold back; refrain
Forbear from making a comment.
Bearing
A machine or structural part that supports another part.
Forbearing
To be tolerant or patient in the face of provocation.
Bearing
A device that supports, guides, and reduces the friction of motion between fixed and moving machine parts.
Forbearing
To refrain from; resist
Forbore criticizing them.
Bearing
Something that supports weight.
Forbearing
To restrain oneself so as not (to do something)
"He saw that she was preoccupied, and forbore to question her" (Thomas Hardy).
Bearing
The part of an arch or beam that rests on a support.
Forbearing
Forbearance; restraint
Bearing
The act, power, or period of producing fruit or offspring.
Forbearing
Characterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering
A forbearing temper
Bearing
The quantity produced; yield.
Forbearing
Present participle of forbear
Bearing
Direction, especially angular direction measured from one position to another using geographical or celestial reference lines.
Forbearing
Disposed or accustomed to forbear; patient; long-suffering.
Bearing
Often bearings Awareness of one's position or situation relative to one's surroundings
Lost my bearings after taking the wrong exit.
Forbearing
Showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment;
Seemly and forbearing...yet strong enough to resist aggression
Was longanimous in the face of suffering
Bearing
Relevant relationship or interconnection
Those issues have no bearing on our situation.
Forbearing
Showing restraint and tolerance.
His forbearing attitude diffused many tense situations.
Bearing
(Heraldry) A charge or device on a field.
Forbearing
Patiently enduring annoyances.
Forbearing the noise, she continued her work.
Bearing
(Architecture) Designed to support structural weight
A bearing wall.
Bearing
Present participle of bear
Bearing
(in combination) That bears (some specified thing).
A gift-bearing visitor
Bearing
Of a beam, column, or other device, carrying weight or load.
That's a bearing wall.
Bearing
(mechanical engineering) A mechanical device that supports another part and/or reduces friction.
Bearing
The horizontal angle between the direction of an object and another object, or between it and that of true north; a heading or direction.
Bearing
One's understanding of one's orientation or relative position, literally or figuratively.
Do we go left here or straight on? Hold on, let me just get my bearings.
I started a new job last week, and I still haven't quite found my bearings.
Bearing
Relevance; a relationship or connection.
That has no bearing on this issue.
Bearing
One's posture, demeanor, or manner.
She walks with a confident, self-assured bearing.
Bearing
(architecture) That part of any member of a building which rests upon its supports.
A lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall.
Bearing
(architecture) The portion of a support on which anything rests.
Bearing
The unsupported span.
The beam has twenty feet of bearing between its supports.
Bearing
(heraldry) Any single emblem or charge in an escutcheon or coat of arms.
Bearing
The manner in which one bears or conducts one's self; mien; behavior; carriage.
I know him by his bearing.
Bearing
Patient endurance; suffering without complaint.
Bearing
The situation of one object, with respect to another, such situation being supposed to have a connection with the object, or influence upon it, or to be influenced by it; hence, relation; connection.
But of this frame, the bearings and the ties,The strong connections, nice dependencies.
Bearing
Purport; meaning; intended significance; aspect.
Bearing
The act, power, or time of producing or giving birth; as, a tree in full bearing; a tree past bearing.
[His mother] in travail of his bearing.
Bearing
That part of any member of a building which rests upon its supports; as, a lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall.
Bearing
The part of an axle or shaft in contact with its support, collar, or boxing; the journal.
Bearing
Any single emblem or charge in an escutcheon or coat of arms - commonly in the pl.
A carriage covered with armorial bearings.
Bearing
The situation of a distant object, with regard to a ship's position, as on the bow, on the lee quarter, etc.; the direction or point of the compass in which an object is seen; as, the bearing of the cape was W. N. W.
Bearing
Relevant relation or interconnection;
Those issues have no bearing on our situation
Bearing
The direction or path along which something moves or along which it lies
Bearing
Dignified manner or conduct
Bearing
Characteristic way of bearing one's body;
Stood with good posture
Bearing
Heraldry consisting of a design or image depicted on a shield
Bearing
A rotating support placed between moving parts to allow them to move easily
Bearing
(of a structural member) withstanding a weight or strain
Bearing
Producing or yielding;
An interest-bearing note
Fruit-bearing trees
Bearing
Carrying or supporting weight.
She had trouble bearing the heavy load.
Bearing
Holding oneself in a certain manner.
His confident bearing impressed the interviewers.
Bearing
Enduring an ordeal or situation.
They are bearing the challenges of life with grace.
FAQs
What's the difference between bearing a burden and bearing responsibility?
Bearing a burden often implies enduring something challenging or painful, while bearing responsibility focuses on carrying out duties or obligations.
How does bearing affect physical health?
Physically bearing heavy loads without proper support can negatively affect health, leading to injuries or strains.
Can someone bear happiness?
Yes, one can bear happiness in the sense of experiencing or sustaining joy, though this usage is less common.
What does it mean to be forbearing in a relationship?
Being forbearing in a relationship means showing patience and restraint, especially when dealing with conflicts or challenges.
Can forbearance be considered a weakness?
Forbearance is generally seen as a strength, reflecting emotional maturity and control, not weakness.
How does one balance forbearance with assertiveness?
Balancing forbearance with assertiveness involves knowing when to exercise patience and when to firmly stand up for oneself, maintaining respect and understanding while asserting one's needs or boundaries.
How does one develop a forbearing attitude?
Developing a forbearing attitude involves practicing patience, empathy, and self-control in various situations.
Is bearing always related to hardship?
While often associated with enduring hardships, bearing can also refer to carrying or maintaining something without negative connotations.
How can forbearance impact a work environment?
Forbearance can positively impact a work environment by reducing conflicts, fostering tolerance, and encouraging a respectful atmosphere.
Can forbearing lead to personal growth?
Yes, practicing forbearance can lead to personal growth by enhancing emotional intelligence, patience, and resilience.
Is there a limit to what one should bear?
Yes, there is a limit to what one should bear; it's important to recognize when a burden is too great and seek help or make changes to protect one's wellbeing.
What role does cultural background play in perceptions of forbearing and bearing?
Cultural background can significantly influence perceptions of forbearing and bearing, with some cultures valuing patience and endurance more highly as virtues.
How can organizations encourage a culture of forbearance?
Organizations can encourage a culture of forbearance by promoting empathy, patience in communications, conflict resolution training, and recognizing individuals who exemplify these qualities.
Why is forbearance important in leadership?
Forbearance in leadership is important for managing conflicts, making thoughtful decisions, and maintaining positive relationships.
Is it possible to bear joy as one bears sorrow?
Yes, it's possible to bear joy as one bears sorrow, meaning to fully experience, sustain, or be mindful of happiness just as one might endure hardship, though the experiences are emotionally different.
Can bearing a physical burden have psychological effects?
Bearing a physical burden can have psychological effects, including stress, a sense of accomplishment, or resilience, depending on the context and individual perception.
How does forbearance contribute to conflict resolution?
Forbearance contributes to conflict resolution by allowing individuals to approach disputes with patience and openness, preventing escalation and fostering mutual understanding.
Can forbearance affect mental health?
Forbearance can positively affect mental health by reducing stress and conflict, but excessive forbearance, especially without addressing underlying issues, might lead to resentment or emotional exhaustion.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
