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Bear — in plain language

to carry, pay, or be responsible for something, or to have something marked or written on it

From a fixed, curated glossary of 7,257 legal terms. Not legal advice. How it's made: plainlanguage.us/trust

Plain language

to carry, pay, or be responsible for something, or to have something marked or written on it

  • pay for
  • carry
  • be responsible for
  • show
  • include

What to watch for

  • Translators often confuse 'bear' with 'bare' (naked/empty). Ensure the spelling is correct.
  • In the context of interest, 'bear interest' simply means 'accrue' or 'charge' interest. Translators should avoid literal translations like 'carry interest' if it sounds unnatural in the target language.
  • When used with 'responsibility' or 'expenses,' it is a formal way of saying 'pay for' or 'be in charge of.' Translating it as 'carry' in these contexts can sound overly abstract to a non-lawyer.
  • When used with 'legend' or 'notation,' it means the document 'shows' or 'contains' that text. Translators should not imply the document is physically carrying a weight.

Context-Dependent Meaning.

  • The word "bear" changes meaning based on its object:
  • Financial objects (interest, taxes, costs): It means to pay or accrue.
  • Physical objects (certificates, documents): It means to show, display, or contain.
  • Abstract objects (responsibility, burden): It means to be accountable for.

Distinguishing from Everyday Usage. In everyday English, "bear" often implies physical weight (e.g., "bear the weight of the world"). In legal documents, the weight is almost always metaphorical (money or legal duty). Translators should prioritize the underlying action—paying or displaying—rather than the concept of carrying.

To carry, pay, or be responsible for something, or to have something marked or written on it. In legal documents, "bear" is used to assign financial responsibility (like paying expenses or interest) or to describe what is physically written on a document (like a warning label or signature).

Examples

Legal: The Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each day.

Plain: The loan will charge interest on the unpaid balance every day.

Legal: Each party shall bear its own expenses in carrying out its responsibilities.

Plain: Each side must pay for its own costs while doing its part of the work.

Legal: The certificates evidencing the Restricted Stock shall bear a legend.

Plain: The stock certificates must have a written warning printed on them.

Legal: The agreement shall bear the signatures of the New Grantor and the Administrative Agent.

Plain: The agreement must be signed by the New Grantor and the Administrative Agent.

Where you'll see it

  • commercial contracts
  • loan agreements
  • stock certificates
  • expense allocation clauses
  • liability
  • interest
  • expense
  • obligation
  • legend

Word details

Pronunciation
bair
Part of speech
verb
Origin
Old English — to carry, bring, or produce
Domains
contract law, corporate law, tax law
Frequency
very common
Formality
moderate

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