bear criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bear criticism' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is able to tolerate criticism and not be easily upset by others' comments. For example, "She bore criticism well, and took all feedback in stride."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Such statements do not bear criticism," Kamaev said.

Independent

Its publisher and managing editor said the ban shows the government can't bear criticism.

The Washington Post

The bear criticism always levelled at Gulf was that so little was known about ETMAIC.

The Guardian - Business

Such statements do not bear criticism Nikita Kamaev, head of RUSADA The Russian Athletics Federation said it would send a formal response to the IAAF about Wada's claims, and that head coach Yuri Borzakovsky, a former Olympic 800m champion, will meet Putin in Sochi on Wednesday.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has borne criticism, even insult and abuse, with remarkable grace, maintaining a political position based on reason and on strongly held values.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has deliberately put himself in the firing line and if it goes wrong on Saturday, which I do not think it will, he will bear the criticism.

The Guardian - Sport

Physicians frequently bear the criticism of families of these disabled elderly for the nonavailability of care, thus becoming the lightning rod for society's indifference to the health problems of the elderly.

The New York Times

While the company has perhaps borne more criticism than the others in this group, it's not the only one to have come under scrutiny this year from government officials.

The New Yorker

As the leading advocate in the Bush administration for greater intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, Secretary Powell has already borne harsh criticism from conservative Republicans in and out of government, who remember that he urged the first President Bush not to press on to Baghdad at the end of the Persian Gulf war 11 years ago.

The New York Times

They both bear similar criticisms, because of the interference, of executives in the legislative process.

Wikipedia

Cecilia Muñoz, one of the highest-ranking Latino officials in the White House and a longtime immigration and civil rights activist, has borne heavy criticism for the administration's policies -- and often rhetoric -- on deportations.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear criticism" when you want to emphasize someone's capacity to handle disapproval or negative feedback without being overwhelmed. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting resilience or composure in the face of adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "bear criticism" when you intend to convey active engagement with the criticism, such as responding to it or refuting it. "Bear" implies enduring or tolerating, not necessarily addressing or resolving the criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear criticism" functions as a verb phrase where "bear" acts as a transitive verb taking "criticism" as its direct object. It describes the act of enduring or withstanding disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear criticism" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the ability to endure or withstand negative feedback. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing someone who remains composed in the face of disapproval. While relatively rare in occurrence, its usage spans across various authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, lending it a neutral register. For those seeking alternative expressions, consider phrases like "endure criticism" or "tolerate criticism", each with subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure criticism

Focuses on the act of withstanding criticism over a period.

tolerate criticism

Implies acceptance of criticism, often without necessarily agreeing with it.

withstand criticism

Emphasizes resisting the negative effects of criticism.

face criticism

Highlights the act of confronting or dealing with criticism.

handle criticism

Focuses on managing and processing criticism effectively.

shoulder criticism

Suggests taking on the responsibility of dealing with criticism.

absorb criticism

Implies taking in criticism without being negatively affected.

brave criticism

Indicates facing criticism with courage and resilience.

meet with criticism

Describes encountering criticism as a result of one's actions.

deflect criticism

Focuses on avoiding or redirecting criticism away from oneself.

FAQs

What does "bear criticism" mean?

The phrase "bear criticism" means to endure or withstand criticism. It suggests an ability to tolerate negative feedback or disapproval without being unduly upset or affected.

What can I say instead of "bear criticism"?

You can use alternatives like "endure criticism", "tolerate criticism", or "withstand criticism" depending on the context.

Is it better to "bear criticism" or address it?

Whether to "bear criticism" or address it depends on the situation. If the criticism is unfounded or malicious, it may be best to bear it and not give it undue attention. If the criticism is valid, it's often better to address it constructively.

How can someone learn to "bear criticism" more effectively?

Developing emotional resilience, practicing mindfulness, and seeking constructive feedback can help someone "bear criticism" more effectively. Focusing on the validity of the feedback rather than the emotional sting can also be beneficial.