learn

/lɜːrn/
verbBeginner to gain knowledge or skill
general

to gain or acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or teaching

Children learn new things every day at school.

Children acquire new knowledge and skills daily in an educational setting.

He learned to play the guitar by practicing every evening.

He acquired the skill of playing the guitar through regular practice.

💡

The verb 'learn' is often followed by 'to' + verb (learn to play) or a noun (learn a language).

Collocations

learn a languageto acquire knowledge of a languagelearn from experienceto gain knowledge through personal encounterslearn by heartto memorize something completely

Related Phrases

learn the ropesidiom
to become familiar with the basics of a job or activity
learn the hard wayidiom
to learn through difficult or painful experiences

💡Pro Tip

Common Collocations

'Learn' is often followed by 'to' + verb (learn to swim) or a noun (learn a skill).

Gold Rule

Learn vs. Teach

'Learn' is about gaining knowledge, while 'teach' is about giving knowledge to others.

📖Word Origin

Old English 'leornian', from Proto-Germanic 'laiznōjanan', meaning 'to follow a track' or 'to pursue knowledge'.

📝Usage Notes

'Learn' is often confused with 'teach'. 'Learn' is about acquiring knowledge, while 'teach' is about imparting knowledge to others.

Word Breakdown

learn
to acquire knowledge or skill
root
English Dictionary