How Do You Spell BEAR OFF?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡əɹ ˈɒf] (IPA)

The phrase "bear off" is often used in the game of backgammon, referring to the action of moving a checker off the board. The spelling of this phrase may be confusing for non-native speakers, as the word "bear" can also refer to the animal. However, the pronunciation of "bear off" is different, with the first syllable pronounced like "bair" and the second syllable pronounced like "awf." Using IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation would be /bɛr ɒf/.

BEAR OFF Meaning and Definition

  1. "Bear off" is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on its context and usage. Primarily, it refers to the act of moving away or removing oneself or something/someone from a particular location or situation. It often implies steering away, veering, or diverting from the current direction or course.

    In sailing terminology, to "bear off" refers to the action of turning a vessel away from the wind or changing its course. This maneuver is employed to navigate safely and control the position and speed of the boat. Alternatively, in backgammon, "bearing off" is the process of removing one's checkers from the board by rolling the dice and moving them to the corresponding point on the board.

    Figuratively, "bear off" can also denote distancing oneself emotionally or mentally from someone or something. It suggests detaching oneself from an issue or concern, often in order to find solace, regain composure, or gain a new perspective.

    Overall, "bear off" commonly refers to the act of moving away physically, metaphorically, or emotionally from a location, direction, situation, or person. Its specific meaning is contingent upon the domain in which it is used, such as nautical, board game, or figurative contexts.

  2. To restrain; among seamen, to remove to a distance.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BEAR OFF

  • vear off
  • near off
  • hear off
  • gear off
  • bwar off
  • bsar off
  • bdar off
  • brar off
  • b4ar off
  • b3ar off
  • bezr off
  • besr off
  • bewr off
  • beqr off
  • beae off
  • bead off
  • beaf off
  • beat off
  • bea5 off

Etymology of BEAR OFF

The phrase "bear off" has its roots in nautical terminology. The word "bear" in this context refers to the direction in which a vessel is moving. It can mean to move, steer, or navigate in a certain direction.

The origin of "bear off" can be traced back to the early days of sailing when ships were powered by sails and had to tack against the wind in order to change direction. In this context, "bear off" refers to turning away from the wind or changing course to a more downwind direction. This required the helmsman to steer the ship away from the wind, and the term "bear off" was used to communicate this action.

Over time, the phrase "bear off" has also been adopted in other contexts beyond sailing. It can refer to changing direction, veering away, or deviating from a set course in more general terms.

Idioms with the word BEAR OFF

  • bear off (of sth) The idiom "bear off (of sth)" means to divert or steer away from a certain course, direction, or topic. It suggests moving away from something or avoiding it.
  • bear off (of something) The idiom "bear off (of something)" typically means to steer or veer away from something or divert one's course. It can be used both literally, such as when guiding a vessel away from a particular direction, or figuratively, to indicate a change in focus or direction.
  • bear off To move or steer away in a particular direction, especially in a skillful or purposeful manner.

Similar spelling words for BEAR OFF

Conjugate verb Bear off

CONDITIONAL

I would bear off
you would bear off
he/she/it would bear off
we would bear off
they would bear off

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be bearing off
you would be bearing off
he/she/it would be bearing off
we would be bearing off
they would be bearing off

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bear off
you would have bear off
he/she/it would have bear off
we would have bear off
they would have bear off

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been bearing off
you would have been bearing off
he/she/it would have been bearing off
we would have been bearing off
they would have been bearing off

FUTURE

I will bear off
you will bear off
he/she/it will bear off
we will bear off
they will bear off

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bearing off
you will be bearing off
he/she/it will be bearing off
we will be bearing off
they will be bearing off

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have borne off
you will have borne off
he/she/it will have borne off
we will have borne off
they will have borne off

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bearing off
you will have been bearing off
he/she/it will have been bearing off
we will have been bearing off
they will have been bearing off

IMPERATIVE

you bear off
we let´s bear off

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bear off

PAST

I bore off
you bore off
he/she/it bore off
we bore off
they bore off

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bearing off
you were bearing off
he/she/it was bearing off
we were bearing off
they were bearing off

PAST PARTICIPLE

borne off

PAST PERFECT

I had borne off
you had borne off
he/she/it had borne off
we had borne off
they had borne off

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bearing off
you had been bearing off
he/she/it had been bearing off
we had been bearing off
they had been bearing off

PRESENT

I bear off
you bear off
he/she/it bears off
we bear off
they bear off

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bearing off
you are bearing off
he/she/it is bearing off
we are bearing off
they are bearing off

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bearing off

PRESENT PERFECT

I have borne off
you have borne off
he/she/it has borne off
we have borne off
they have borne off

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bearing off
you have been bearing off
he/she/it has been bearing off
we have been bearing off
they have been bearing off

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