verb
hear
HEER
verb
1
To perceive sound through the ears.
"Can you hear the birds singing outside?"
"She heard footsteps behind her in the empty hallway."
2
To receive news or information about something.
"I heard you got the job — congratulations!"
3
To listen to and formally consider a case in a court of law.
"The judge agreed to hear the appeal next month."
How to Use Hear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take in sound with your ears, or to learn news, or (for a court) to consider a case.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with its homophone here (a place); hear always relates to listening or perceiving.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
hear about
hear from someone
hear a case
Word Forms
heard past tense, hears singular
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Can you _____ the birds singing outside?
Etymology
From Old English hīeran, an ancient Germanic word ultimately built from roots meaning "sharp" and "ear" — literally "to be sharp-eared."