Hear — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈhir/

Meaning & Definition of Hear

Hear (verb)

  1. to perceive or become aware of by the ear
  2. to gain knowledge of by hearing
  3. detect

Hear (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to come to an awareness of

    "I heard your sister is home from the hospital"

    similar: ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, get on (to), learn, realize, see, wise (up), get wind of
    related: hit (on or upon), tumble (to), descry, detect, encounter, espy, spot, calculate, dope (out), figure out, find, puzzle (out), discern, mind, note, observe, perceive, divine
    near: miss, overlook, disregard, ignore, forget, unlearn, blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, occult, screen, shroud, veil

  2. to pay attention especially through the act of hearing

    "at least hear what I have to say before you start disagreeing"

    similar: attend, hark, harken, hearken, heed, listen, mind, prick up one's ears
    opposite: ignore, tune out
    near: discount, disregard

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hear

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hear:

ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, get on (to), learn, realize, see, wise (up), attend, hark, harken, hearken, heed, listen, mind, get wind of, prick up one's ears

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hear

Words with the opposite meaning of Hear:

ignore, tune out

Related Words for Hear

hit (on or upon), tumble (to), descry, detect, encounter, espy, spot, calculate, dope (out), figure out, find, puzzle (out), discern, note, observe, perceive, divine

Near Antonyms of Hear

miss, overlook, disregard, forget, unlearn, blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, occult, screen, shroud, veil, discount

Word Forms of Hear

Inflections: heard, hearing

Derived words: hearer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Hear

Middle English heren, from Old English hīeran; akin to Old High German hōren to hear, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on guard, Greek akouein to hear

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Hear

Words & Phrases Containing Hear

hear of, hear out, hear from, hear oneself think, hear the call of the wild, hear the last of (something), hear wedding bells, I hear what you're saying, never/not hear the end of it

Frequently Asked Questions about Hear

What does "Hear" mean?

"Hear" means to perceive or become aware of by the ear. As a verb, it is defined as: to perceive or become aware of by the ear. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hear"?

Other words for "Hear" include ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, get on (to), learn, realize and see. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hear" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hear"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hear". Common alternatives include ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, get on (to), learn, realize, see, wise (up) and attend.

What is the opposite of "Hear"?

Antonyms of "Hear" include ignore and tune out. Near antonyms include miss, overlook, disregard and forget.

How do you use "Hear" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hear" in a sentence: "I heard your sister is home from the hospital"; "at least hear what I have to say before you start disagreeing".

Is "Hear" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hear" is a verb.

Is "Hear" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Hear" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Hear"?

"Hear" is pronounced /ˈhir/.