hear

[hɪr]

hear Definition

• 1. to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)
• 2. to listen to (someone or something)
• 3. to be told (something)
• 4. to be informed or aware of (something)
• 5. to be called upon to adjudicate on or to listen to evidence or argument

Using hear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I can't hear what you're saying.

• Example

  I heard a strange noise in the night.

• Example

  I heard that you're moving to a new city.

• Example

  Have you heard the news about the election?

• Example

  The judge will hear the case tomorrow.

hear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hear

• listen
• perceive
• detect
• attend
• heed

Antonyms for hear

• ignore
• tune out

Idioms Using hear

• fall on deaf ears

  to be ignored or disregarded, typically used for requests or advice that are not heeded

  Example

  I've been telling him to quit smoking for years, but it falls on deaf ears.

• have a good ear for something

  to have a natural ability to recognize and distinguish sounds or music

  Example

  She has a good ear for languages and can pick up new words quickly.

• play it by ear

  to handle a situation without a definite plan, improvising as one goes along

  Example

  We don't have a set schedule for the trip; we'll just play it by ear.

Phrases with hear

• hear from

  to receive communication from someone, especially by letter or telephone

  Example

  I haven't heard from my sister in weeks.

• hear out

  to listen to someone's entire argument or explanation before making a judgment or decision

  Example

  I want to hear you out before I make a decision.

• hear through the grapevine

  to learn information indirectly or through rumors

  Example

  I heard through the grapevine that they're getting a divorce.

Origins of hear

from Old English 'hieran'

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Summary: hear in Brief

The verb 'hear' [hɪr] means to perceive sound, listen to someone or something, be informed or aware of something, or adjudicate or listen to evidence or argument. Examples include 'I can't hear what you're saying,' 'Have you heard the news about the election?' and 'The judge will hear the case tomorrow.' Phrases include 'hear from,' 'hear out,' and 'hear through the grapevine.' Idioms include 'fall on deaf ears,' 'have a good ear for something,' and 'play it by ear.'