Back to all verbs

Irregular verb

bear

/beə/

Base
bear
Past simple
bore
Past participle
borne

Usage notes

  • born /bɔːn/ — Past participle

    Used in the passive phrase be born for entering the world.

Usage

borne is the general past participle (has borne the weight); the special spelling born is only for the passive be born.

Meaning

  • to carry, support, or accept something difficult
  • to give birth to a child or young animal

Example

The bridge has borne heavy traffic for years.

She bore the criticism without complaint.

The company has borne the cost of the delay.