A1verbhigh_frequency_chunk

Hear

UK /["/hɪə(r)/","/hɪəz/","/hɜːd/","/ˈhɪərɪŋ/"]/US /["/hɪr/","/hɪrz/","/hɜːrd/","/ˈhɪrɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be aware of sounds with your ears

In simple words: To notice sounds with your ears.

Examples

  • I can hear the birds singing outside.
  • Did you hear what she said about the party?
  • I heard a strange noise in the attic last night.
  • He wanted to hear your opinion on the project.
  • Can you hear the music playing in the background?
  • I heard him call my name from across the street.
  • She can hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
  • Have you ever heard about that new restaurant?

Usage notes

Used in everyday contexts. Can indicate passive listening (like background noise) or active listening (like understanding speech). Not suitable for more formal contexts where 'perceive' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

hear + object

Memory hint

Think of 'hear' as having your ears on a 'ear-r' to catch sounds.

Collocations

  • clearly
  • well
  • barely
  • can
  • pretend not to
  • strain to
  • be delighted to
  • be glad to
  • be gratified to
  • about
  • of
  • hear little, a lot, nothing, etc. about something

Synonyms

  • listen
  • detect
  • perceive
  • overhear
  • catch

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • disregard

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'listen' — 'hear' is passive, 'listen' is active.
  • Used incorrectly in past tense as 'heared' instead of 'heard'.
  • Unclear about using 'hear' for sounds coming from far away.