Proto-Indo-European: The root word is believed to be "bʰér-," meaning "brown" or "dark." This likely stems from the color of many bear species.
Old English: From Proto-Indo-European, the word evolved into "beor" in Old English, which still retained the meaning of "brown." Interestingly, the word "beer" also comes from the same root, as the brown color of the beverage was a key characteristic.
Middle English: During the Middle English period, the word "bear" shifted from its color meaning to describe the animal itself. This evolution is evident in the word's spelling, which changed from "beor" to "bere" and ultimately to "bear."
Modern English: The word "bear" in its modern form emerged during the early modern English period, retaining its meaning as the large, furry animal.
It's important to note that this is just a simplified version of the word's complex linguistic journey. The evolution of "bear" reflects the dynamic and interconnected nature of language, where words can change their meaning and form over time.