Bear up Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Resilience Use 'bear up' to highlight someone's emotional strength during hard times. She's bearing up despite the loss in her family. Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone 'Bear up' is neither formal nor informal, making it versatile for many situations. During the interview, he managed to bear up under tough questions. Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotation It implies a positive judgment about someone's coping abilities. Despite being sick, she bore up well during the presentation.