A1verb1K

Learn

UK /["/lɜːn/","/lɜːnz/","/lɜːnd/","/lɜːnt/","/ˈlɜːnɪŋ/"]/US /["/lɜːrn/","/lɜːrnz/","/lɜːrnd/","/lɜːrnt/","/ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc.

In simple words: To get knowledge or skill by studying or experiencing something.

Examples

  • I want to learn how to play the piano.
  • She is eager to learn new languages.
  • It's important to learn from your mistakes.
  • He will learn a lot in this class.
  • Children learn quickly when they are young.

Usage notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts. It's appropriate in educational settings, everyday conversations, and when discussing new skills but can be seen as overly casual in formal academic writing.

Grammar pattern

learn + object

Memory hint

Think of 'learn' like 'earn' knowledge; both involve effort.

Collocations

  • a lot
  • quickly
  • soon
  • need to
  • be eager to
  • want to
  • about
  • from
  • through
  • a lot
  • quickly
  • soon
  • need to
  • be eager to
  • want to
  • about
  • from
  • through
  • be astonished to
  • be astounded to
  • be intrigued to
  • of

Synonyms

  • discover

Antonyms

  • forget
  • ignore
  • overlook

Common mistakes

  • 'Learn' is sometimes confused with 'teach'. 'Learn' means to acquire knowledge, while 'teach' means to impart knowledge.
  • Learners often use 'learned' incorrectly; it can be a past tense or an adjective but should match the context.
  • 'Learn' is sometimes misused with the wrong prepositions, such as 'learn about something' rather than just 'learn something.'