hear

hear

verb \ˈhir\

heard\ˈhərd\hear·ing\ˈhir-iŋ\

Definition of HEAR

transitive verb

1

: to perceive or apprehend by the ear

2

: to gain knowledge of by hearing

3

a : to listen to with attention : heed b : attend <hear mass>

4

a : to give a legal hearing to b : to take testimony from <hear witnesses>

intransitive verb

1

: to have the capacity of apprehending sound

2

a : to gain information : learn b : to receive communication <haven't heard from her lately>

3

: to entertain the idea —used in the negative <wouldn't hear of it>

4

—often used in the expression Hear! Hear! to express approval (as during a speech)

— hear·er \ˈhir-ər\ noun

Examples of HEAR

1. Do you hear that music?
2. I couldn't hear a word of what he said over all that noise.
3. I thought I heard him leave.
4. Would you turn the volume up a little? I can't hear.
5. I heard her in concert a few years ago.
6. Have you ever heard Wagner sung in English?
7. The committee will hear witnesses today.
8. I hear he's leaving town.
9. I don't know what happened. I'll let you know if I hear anything.
10. I've heard it said that smoking is bad for your health.

Origin of HEAR

Middle English heren, from Old English hīeran; akin to Old High German hōren to hear, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on guard, Greek akouein to hear

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HEAR

Synonyms: ascertain, catch on (to), find out, get on (to), discover, learn, realize, see, wise (up)

Antonyms: ignore, tune out

Related Words: hit (on or upon), tumble (to); descry, detect, encounter, espy, see, spot; calculate, dope (out), figure out, find, puzzle (out); discern, mind, note, observe, perceive; divine

Near Antonyms: miss, overlook; disregard, ignore; forget, unlearn; blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, occult, screen, shroud, veil

see all synonyms and antonyms

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