bearing noun
plural bearings 1 [singular] formal : the way in which a person moves, stands, or behaves
▪ a man of military/dignified/regal bearing 2 formal : a relation or connection — + on [singular] ▪ These facts have a direct bearing on the question. [=these facts relate to the question in a direct way] [noncount] ▪ Personal feelings had no bearing on our decision. [=personal feelings did not affect or influence our decision] 3 [count] technical : a machine part in which another part turns or slides — see also ball bearing 4 [count] technical : a measurement taken with a compass that indicates the direction or position of something
▪ take/get a compass bearing
▪ a man of military/dignified/regal bearing
▪ take/get a compass bearing
beyond bearing or past bearing
formal : too painful, unpleasant, etc., to be accepted or endured
▪ a grief that is almost past bearing [=unbearable]
▪ a grief that is almost past bearing [=unbearable]
get/find your bearings
: to find out your position
▪ Let's stop here and find our bearings. [=figure out exactly where we are] — often used figuratively ▪ Our course for new employees will help you get/find your bearings at work.
▪ Let's stop here and find our bearings. [=figure out exactly where we are] — often used figuratively ▪ Our course for new employees will help you get/find your bearings at work.
lose your bearings
: to become lost
▪ The ship lost its bearings in the fog. — often used figuratively ▪ I feel I've lost my bearings in life. [=I have become confused about my life; I do not know what I am doing or what I want to do in my life]
▪ The ship lost its bearings in the fog. — often used figuratively ▪ I feel I've lost my bearings in life. [=I have become confused about my life; I do not know what I am doing or what I want to do in my life]
