bearing

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The way a connection or fact affects or relates to something.

   Your opinion has no bearing on my decision.

2. 2
   noun

   The way a person stands, moves, or behaves.

   She walks with a confident, dignified bearing.

3. 3
   noun

   A sense of where you are or which direction you are going.

   Let me check the map and get my bearings.

4. 4
   noun

   A direction or angle, usually measured from north.

   The ship sailed on a bearing of due east.

From Middle English beringe, berynge, berende, berande, berand, from Old English berende (“bearing; fruitful”) (also as synonym Old English bǣrende), from Proto-Germanic *berandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic *beraną (“to bear; carry”), equivalent to bear + -ing.

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