hear
A1All registers, from informal to formal.
Definition
Meaning
To perceive sound with the ear.
To listen to, consider, or be informed about something; to attend a legal or official proceeding; to learn or become aware of something by report or from another source.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Hear' is primarily a verb of perception, often passive or non-volitional (e.g., 'I heard a noise'). It contrasts with 'listen', which implies active, focused attention. It can also denote receiving information (e.g., 'I hear you're leaving') or giving official attention (e.g., 'The court will hear the case').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The past participle 'heard' is universal.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (hear something)SVOA (hear someone speak)SVO-ing (hear someone coming)SVthat (hear that...)SVwh (hear what happened)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hear, hear!”
- “hear a pin drop”
- “won't hear a word against”
- “heard it through the grapevine”
- “hard of hearing”
- “do you hear?”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To be informed of developments or results; 'We haven't heard back from the client.'
Academic
To attend a lecture or presentation; 'Students will hear a talk on phonetics.'
Everyday
To perceive sounds or receive news; 'Did you hear that loud bang?'
Technical
In law, to try a case; in audiology, to have the capacity for auditory perception.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I can't hear the telly over that racket.
- The committee will hear the proposal next Tuesday.
- Have you heard the latest? They're moving to Australia.
American English
- I can't hear the TV over that noise.
- The judge agreed to hear the motion.
- I heard you got a new job. Congratulations!
adverb
British English
- He is hearing-impaired. (Note: 'hearing' is part of a compound adjective, not a standalone adverb. A true adverb form is rare.)
American English
- She is hard of hearing. (Same note as UK.)
adjective
British English
- The hearing public must be informed.
- She is a hearing person in a Deaf family.
American English
- Hearing aids have improved dramatically.
- The hearing community may not understand the culture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I hear a bird singing.
- Can you hear me?
- I heard a funny story.
- I heard you were ill, so I called.
- Did you hear about the accident on the motorway?
- We haven't heard from them in weeks.
- The Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal.
- I could hear someone rummaging around in the kitchen.
- He's the best footballer I've ever heard of.
- The presiding officer refused to hear any further points of order.
- Having heard both sides of the argument, I'm inclined to agree.
- She was shocked to hear her private sentiments being quoted verbatim.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
You need an EAR to HEAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS HEARING (e.g., 'I hear what you're saying'), COMMUNICATION IS SOUND TRANSMISSION (e.g., 'Word reached me').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'listen' (слушать). 'Hear' is more often 'слышать'. The phrase 'I've heard of him' translates to 'Я о нём слышал', not a direct verb for 'know'. The imperative 'Hear me out!' is 'Выслушай меня!', requiring a different verb.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hear' + infinitive (INCORRECT: 'I hear him to say...'; CORRECT: 'I hear him say...').
- Confusing 'hear' (involuntary perception) with 'listen' (voluntary attention).
- Using 'hear about' vs. 'hear of': 'hear about' = learn details; 'hear of' = be aware of existence.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hear' correctly to mean 'give official consideration to'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Hear' is the passive, involuntary perception of sound. 'Listen' is the active, voluntary act of paying attention to a sound. E.g., 'I heard the radio (it was on)' vs. 'I listened to the radio programme (I paid attention)'.
'Hear of' means to be aware of something's or someone's existence ('Have you heard of Shakespeare?'). 'Hear about' means to learn details or news concerning something ('Have you heard about the new policy?').
No. The correct simple past and past participle form is 'heard' (irregular verb). 'Heared' is always an error.
It is common to use 'hear' with a that-clause or an object + bare infinitive/-ing form. E.g., 'I heard (that) you passed the exam.' / 'I heard him leave.' / 'I heard someone knocking.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.