verb

bear

To bring forth offspring or a product.

The young apple tree bears its first fruit this year.

Etymology

The older verb includes carrying and bringing forth. This sense focuses on what emerges from that process, whether a child is born or a plant produces fruit.

More examples

  • Her patient work finally bore results.
  • The mare has borne three healthy foals.
  • Their daughter was born during a winter storm.

Forms

bear · bears · bore · borne · born · bearing

Similar words

produce
Broader; does not necessarily imply natural growth or birth.
yield
Often concerns a crop or result rather than offspring.