First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
hear
verb \ˈhir\
: to be aware of (sound) through the ear
: to listen to (someone or something)
: to be told (something)
heard \ˈhərd\ hear·ing \ˈhir-iŋ\
Full Definition of HEAR
transitive verb
1
: to perceive or apprehend by the ear
2
: to gain knowledge of by hearing
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
See hear defined for English-language learners
See hear defined for kids
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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
HEAR Defined for Kids
hear
verb \ˈhir\
heard \ˈhərd\hear·ing \ˈhir-iŋ\
Definition of HEAR for Kids
1
: to take in through the ear <I hear laughter.>
2
: to have the power of hearing <He doesn't hear well.>
3
: to gain knowledge of by hearing <I hear he's moving to another state.>
4
: to listen to with care and attention <Wait till you hear both sides of the story.>
— hear·er \ˈhir-ər\ noun
Headscratcher for HEAR
You need ears to hear and you need “ear” to spell “hear.”
Medical Dictionary
hear
verb \ˈhi(ə)r\
heard \ˈhərd\ hear·ing \ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ\
Medical Definition of HEAR
transitive verb
: to perceive or apprehend by the ear
intransitive verb
: to have the capacity of apprehending sound
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