hear
hear Lexical Profile
hear Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To perceive or detect a sound or voice by means of the ear.
"She could hear the distant rumble of thunder approaching from the west."
To be told, informed, or made aware of news, facts, or information.
"Did you hear about the new policy changes announced at the meeting?"
To listen attentively to someone or something, especially in an official or judicial capacity to judge a case or argument.
"The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal during its autumn session."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with its homophone 'here' (an adverb meaning in this place). Additionally, 'hear' generally denotes passive auditory perception, whereas 'listen' implies intentional attention to sound.
• Rhymes for hear
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English hīeran, of Proto-Germanic origin (*hauzijaną), related to Dutch horen and German hören.