learn

learn · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in something through study, experience, or teaching.

  2. 2.

    Commit something to memory.

  3. 3.

    Become aware of something through information or observation.

  4. 4.

    [informal, regional]Teach someone (considered non-standard).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    learn the hard way — Discover something through difficult experience.
  • •
    learn by heart — Memorize completely.
  • •
    learn one's lesson — Gain wisdom from a mistake.
  • •
    live and learn — Accept that mistakes are part of life.
  • •
    learn the ropes — Become familiar with how to do something.
  • •
    you live, you learn — Life teaches through experience.

Related words

Antonyms: forget, unlearn
See also: knowledge, learned, learning, study, teach
Synonyms: acquire, discover, master, study

Etymology

From Old English leornian ("to learn, study"), from Proto-Germanic liznaną. Related to German lernen and Dutch leren. The word is connected to the concept of "following a track" or "finding a way."