learn

/lɜːrn/

to gain knowledge or skill

She wants to learn French before traveling to Paris.

She wants to gain knowledge of the French language before her trip.

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

to become familiar with the basics of a job or activity

to learn through difficult or painful experiences

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

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

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

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

learn

to acquire knowledge or skill

root

English Dictionary