WordGarden.iolearn
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɜːn/
US
- /ˈlɜrn/
Meanings
Verb
to gain knowledge or skill through study, practice, or experience
to find out or come to know some information
Beyond the definition
To learn is not just about memorizing facts; it is about slowly building understanding. It does not happen all at once. It grows over time through study, practice, experience, mistakes, and other people. You might learn how to ride a bike (a skill), learn about ancient history (knowledge), or learn a valuable lesson after making a difficult choice (discovery).
Sometimes "learning" is a process: "She is learning to play the piano." Other times it is an outcome: "He learned that honesty is the best policy." The past tense forms, learned and learnt, are both correct and widely used. It is a lifelong journey that keeps shaping who we become.
The word "learn" encompasses the process of acquiring knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught. It is far more than simply memorizing information; it involves understanding, interpreting, and applying what is gained. For example: "She learned to speak French fluently after years of practice," or "He learned a valuable lesson about trust."
"Learn" can be used as both an intransitive verb (meaning it does not take a direct object: "I learn quickly") and a transitive verb ("I learned a new word"). It often implies a real change in behavior or perspective. You do not just know something after learning; the experience changes you in some way.
The word also has nuances related to discovery. We can "learn of" something new, meaning we become aware of it—"She learned of his illness through a friend." Or we might "learn that..." followed by a surprising or insightful piece of information—"I learned that bees are essential for pollination."
Historically, "learn" comes from the Old English word leornian, which meant to get knowledge or to study. This root connects it to words like "lore" and "lesson," all hinting at the deep accumulation of wisdom. Whether you are mastering a new craft, uncovering hidden truths, or simply expanding your horizons, "learn" is about growth, adaptation, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge—a fundamental part of being human.
Examples
- 1
Language class
She's learning Spanish at night school.
- 2
Childhood skill
I learned to swim when I was six.
- 3
School topic
The kids are learning about space this week.
- 4
Practical skill
We learned how to fix the sink by watching a video.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
New information
I just learned that the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- 6
Work experience
She learned a lot from her first job.
- 7
Learning method
You learn by practicing, not just by reading.
- 8
Avoiding mistakes
He quickly learned not to leave his bike unlocked.
- 9
Acting
The actor learned his lines in two days.
- Phraselearn your lines
memorize the words you must say in a play or film
- 10
Bad experience
After that mistake, I learned my lesson and started checking every email twice.
- Phraselearn your lesson
change what you do after a bad experience
- 11
Painful experience
I learned the hard way that cheap shoes are not always a bargain.
- Phraselearn the hard way
understand something after a bad or painful experience
- 12
Surprise
Live and learn, I guess; I had no idea this road closed at night.
- Phraselive and learn
used when you discover something surprising from experience
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- learnverb
Forms
- learning-ing formverb
- learnedpast tensepast participleverb
- learntpast tenseverb
- learnsverb