learn

verb \ˈlərn\

: to gain knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something

: to cause (something) to be in your memory by studying it

: to hear or be told (something) : to find out (something)

learned \ˈlərnd, ˈlərnt\ learn·ing

Full Definition of LEARN

transitive verb

a (1) : to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience <learn a trade> (2) : memorize <learn the lines of a play>

b : to come to be able <learn to dance>

c : to come to realize <learned that honesty paid>

a nonstandard : teach

b obsolete : to inform of something

: to come to know : hear <we just learned that he was ill>

intransitive verb

: to acquire knowledge or skill or a behavioral tendency

— learn·able \ˈlər-nə-bəl\ adjective

— learn·er noun

See learn defined for English-language learners

See learn defined for kids

Usage Discussion of LEARN

Learn in the sense of “teach” dates from the 13th century and was standard until at least the early 19th <made them drunk with true Hollands—and then learned them the art of making bargains — Washington Irving>. But by Mark Twain's time it was receding to a speech form associated chiefly with the less educated <never done nothing for three months but set in his back yard and learn that frog to jump — Mark Twain>. The present-day status of learn has not risen. This use persists in speech, but in writing it appears mainly in the representation of such speech or its deliberate imitation for effect.

Origin of LEARN

Middle English lernen, from Old English leornian; akin to Old High German lernēn to learn, Old English last footprint, Latin lira furrow, track

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LEARN

Synonyms: get, master, pick up, get the hang of

Antonyms: unlearn

Synonym Discussion of LEARN

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know. discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter <discovered the source of the river>. ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty <attempts to ascertain the population of the region>. determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely <unable to determine the origin of the word>. unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden <unearth old records>. learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice <I learned her name only today> <learning Greek>.