Ear Meaning
Ear Definition & Usage
The organ in humans and many animals responsible for hearing and maintaining balance.
Examples
- "She has excellent hearing in her right ear."
- "The doctor examined his ear for any signs of infection."
- "The loud noise made my ears ring."
- "He could hear everything, even a whisper, because of his sharp ears."
- "After the accident, she was unable to hear from her left ear for several days."
Used figuratively to refer to attention, especially when giving or seeking advice or information.
Examples
- "He had an ear for music, able to play complex pieces by ear."
- "The manager lent a sympathetic ear to the employee's concerns."
- "She always had an ear for gossip."
- "He took the matter seriously and gave it his full ear."
- "As a teacher, she has a good ear for students' needs."
A piece of information or rumor that is passed along, often in secret or informally.
Examples
- "I heard through the grapevine that they’re getting married soon—just an ear to the ground, you know."
- "The rumor has been in the ears of everyone at the office."
- "He has the ear of the most influential people in the city."
- "She gave me an earful about the new project."
- "I’ve got an ear for the latest gossip in the neighborhood."
Cultural Context
The word 'ear' is deeply rooted in both biological and cultural contexts. As an anatomical feature, it has importance in health, communication, and music. It is also widely used in figurative expressions, highlighting its role in listening, learning, and attention.
The Ears of Montclair
Story
The Ears of Montclair
In the quiet village of Montclair, everyone knew that Mrs. Alden had the best ear for music. It wasn’t just her perfect pitch, but her ability to listen to every note and tell where the music had come from, who had composed it, and how it had evolved over the years. Young Emily, an aspiring violinist, often visited Mrs. Alden for advice on her playing. One afternoon, Emily walked up the familiar stone path to the Alden house, her violin case in hand. Mrs. Alden greeted her with a warm smile. 'Ah, Emily, you've come to give your ears a good workout today, I presume?' she said playfully, referring to the fact that Emily’s violin was a challenging instrument to master. As Emily started to play, Mrs. Alden listened carefully, nodding her head with each note. When Emily finished, Mrs. Alden paused and then said, 'You’ve got the basics, but your ear needs sharpening. You’re not hearing the subtleties yet.' Emily sighed, frustrated, but Mrs. Alden continued. 'Music isn’t just about playing the right notes; it’s about hearing the music as a whole. Don’t just play from memory. Let your ears guide you.' A few months later, Emily was back, more confident. She had been practicing, listening to recordings, and even attending some of Mrs. Alden’s private concerts. This time, she played flawlessly, and Mrs. Alden smiled. 'Now you’ve really got an ear for it,' she said, proudly. As they talked, Emily began to understand the deeper significance of having an 'ear.' It wasn’t just about hearing; it was about listening with intent, absorbing information, and developing the skill to interpret and understand it. She could also sense that Mrs. Alden had always been more than a music teacher—she was someone who had listened to the village, who had heard the worries, joys, and secrets of Montclair, and who gave a compassionate ear when needed. Years passed, and Emily, now a renowned musician, would often return to Montclair. And every time she did, she found herself sitting with Mrs. Alden, not just for music, but for the invaluable advice that she had learned to listen for. It was the 'ear' that had taught her everything she needed to know about both music and life.
Related Words
