What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heading
Example
The plane's heading was northward. [heading: noun]
Example
She is heading towards the store. [heading: verb]
bearing
Example
The compass showed a bearing of 270 degrees. [bearing: noun]
Example
He has a confident bearing when he walks. [bearing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heading is more commonly used in technical or navigational contexts, while bearing is more commonly used in personal or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heading and bearing?
Heading is more formal than bearing, which is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.
