Definition of Hear
Quick Meaning of Hear
To receive sound through your ears; to listen and understand words
Detailed Definition of Hear
To perceive sound with the ears; to listen to and understand
How to Pronounce Hear
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'beer' and 'year'; use long 'ee' plus 'r' sound
Origin and Etymology of Hear
From Old English 'hieran', related to Old Norse 'heyra'
How to Use Hear in a Sentence
Each example shows “hear” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I can hear the music from the concert.”
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“Did you hear what the teacher said in class?”
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“She heard the news about the job promotion yesterday.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hear
Common Synonyms for Hear
Smart Synonyms for Hear — When to Use Each
- listen
- when implying intentional attention to sound deliberately
- perceive
- in formal writing when stressing sensory awareness of
- catch
- when describing overhearing something unintentionally said briefly
Common Collocations with Hear
These phrases pair with “hear” in everyday English:
- hear a sound
- hear news
- can't hear
- hear about
- hear from someone
Common Mistakes When Using Hear
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hear”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I heard the bird singing in the garden.
- ✓ Correct: I heard the bird sing in the garden.
- Why: Hear takes base form (sing) not gerund; the verb form changes after hear
- ✗ Wrong: She hears to music every day.
- ✓ Correct: She listens to music every day.
- Why: Use 'listen to' for intentional attention; 'hear' doesn't take 'to'
Words Confused With Hear
- Hear vs Listen: Hear is passive (sound reaches your ear); listen is active (you pay attention) Compare →
Other Forms of Hear
Frequently Asked Questions About Hear
What is the meaning of "Hear"?
To receive sound through your ears; to listen and understand words
How do you pronounce "Hear"?
The IPA is /hɪr/. Rhymes with 'beer' and 'year'; use long 'ee' plus 'r' sound
What part of speech is "Hear"?
"Hear" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hear"?
Common synonyms include listen, perceive, catch.
How do you use "Hear" in a sentence?
For example: "I can hear the music from the concert."