Hear
/hɪər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo perceive sound through the ears.
/hɪər/
To perceive sound with the ears.
I can hear the rain falling on the roof.
💡 Simply: Imagine your ears are like antennas! When something makes a noise, like a car honking or your friend talking, your ears catch the sound and let you 'hear' it. It's how you find out about sounds around you!
👶 For kids: To use your ears to know when a sound is happening.
More Examples
Did you hear what he said?
She could hear the whispers of the wind.
How It's Used
"I can hear the birds singing outside."
"Do you hear the music?"
To receive information or news.
/hɪər/
To be informed of or learn about something.
I heard he got the job.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret message! If someone tells you something new, like a friend's birthday plan or a cool fact, you 'hear' the information, and then you know it.
👶 For kids: To find out about something from someone else.
More Examples
Have you heard the latest gossip?
We heard the announcement on the radio.
How It's Used
"I heard about the accident on the news."
"I hear they're getting married!"
To give attention to and consider, especially in a formal setting.
/hɪər/
To consider and judge.
The judge will hear arguments from both sides.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, when people want to make decisions or learn more about a problem, they'll 'hear' from other people to find out details or listen to their stories so they can decide what to do.
👶 For kids: To listen to something to make a decision.
More Examples
The committee will hear complaints from the public.
The case will be heard in the morning.
How It's Used
"The court will hear the case next week."
"The committee will hear public comment."
Idioms & expressions
hear from
To receive communication or news from someone.
"I haven't heard from her in weeks."
hear out
To listen to someone completely before making a decision or judgment.
"Please hear me out before you make a decision."
hear tell of
To know about something through indirect information or rumors.
"I've heard tell of a secret passage in the old castle."
From Old English *hīeran*, from Proto-Germanic *hauzjaną* ('to hear, perceive'), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ḱh₂u-s-éye-ti ('to hear').
The word 'hear' has been used in its current form since Old English times, retaining its core meaning of perceiving sound.
Memory tip
Think of the sound waves entering your ears.
Word Origin
"to perceive sound"