Definition and meaning of English word "hear"
hear
/hɪə/
Meaning
VerbTo perceive sounds through the ear.
How to use
The verb 'hear' is commonly used in everyday conversation and is often found in contexts where sensory perception is being described. A notable grammatical nuance is that 'hear' can be used with both static and dynamic senses, but learners should be cautious not to confuse it with 'listen', which implies a more active engagement with sound. For instance, 'I hear the birds singing' (passive perception) versus 'I'm listening to the radio' (active engagement).
🇬🇧 English
hear
Example
I can hear the music.
Can you hear me?
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- hear a sound— hear a sound
- hear someone out— hear someone out
- hear of something— hear of something
More Core Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #618 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "hear" mean?▼
The English word "hear" means "hear" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "hear"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "hear" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "hear"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I can hear the music." (which translates as "hear").
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