"Bear with us" is a polite expression used to ask someone for their patience and understanding while dealing with a temporary inconvenience, delay, or difficulty. The phrase often implies that the speaker acknowledges the inconvenience and is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
In short:
"Bear with us" typically signifies a request for patience or tolerance while something is being handled or completed.
The phrase is commonly used to express the need for a little patience or forbearance while a task is being accomplished or a problem is resolved. For example, you might ask someone to bear with you as you sort through documents, complete a complex procedure, or find a solution to a technical issue.
Let's explore its core meanings:
The origin of the phrase "bear with us" can be traced back to the Old English verb "beran," which means "to carry" or "to endure." The use of "bear" in the sense of "endure" or "tolerate" can be found in various literary works throughout history, including the King James Bible and the works of William Shakespeare.
"Bear with us while we add this terrible passage, which we once before made mention of, Matt. 18:5-6. [Whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receives me; but whosoever shall offend one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.]"
- A Petition for Peace: with The Reformation of the Liturgy, 1661
Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:
The phrase "bear with us" occasionally appears in pop culture, often in scenarios where patience is requested from an audience or group.
Let's examine some examples:
There are numerous alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "bear with us."
Here are some of them:
"Bear with us" generally signifies a request for patience or tolerance while a problem is resolved or a task completed.
You can use "bear with us" to ask for someone's patience. For example, "Please bear with us while we fix this issue."
The phrase comes from the Old English word "beran," which means to carry or endure. It's been used in the sense of "tolerate" for centuries.
"Bear with us" has a somewhat formal tone, but it is used in both formal and informal situations.
Not necessarily. The phrase requests patience but doesn't specify the length of the delay.
While common in customer service, the phrase can be used in any situation where patience is requested.
Yes, "bear with us" is generally considered a polite request.
Yes, they have the same meaning. The choice between "us" and "me" depends on whether the speaker is representing a group or themselves individually.
Yes, it is appropriate in both spoken and written communication.
The phrase is used globally, though it is most common in English-speaking countries.
"Bear with us" is a widely used and versatile expression that requests patience and understanding from others during temporary inconveniences or difficulties.
Here's a quick recap:
It's important to remember that "bear with us" is best used when addressing temporary inconveniences rather than long-term issues or problems. So the next time you encounter a delay, just remind yourself to take it in stride and be tolerant.
