The term 'ABLE TO BEAR' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: AFFORD (6 letters), FERTILE (7 letters), and DETEST (6 letters). AFFORD means to have the financial means or resources to pay for something. FERTILE refers to the ability to produce offspring or crops, and DETEST means to strongly dislike or hate something. Together, these three words can be interpreted as having the capability to provide for and support a family, either through children or crops.