Earn Meaning

UK /ɜːn/
US /ɜrn/
Word Definition
earn meaning

Earn Definition & Usage

verb

To receive payment or compensation for work or services.

Examples

  • "She earns a good salary as a marketing manager."
  • "He earned $100 for the weekend gig."
  • "How much do you think I could earn working part-time?"
  • "After a long day of work, he was glad to earn his paycheck."
  • "They earned their success through dedication and hard work."
verb

To deserve or be worthy of something through effort or actions.

Examples

  • "She earned the respect of her colleagues by always delivering high-quality work."
  • "After years of dedication, he earned the right to speak at the conference."
  • "Their team earned a reputation for excellence in the industry."
  • "He earned his place in the team after months of hard training."
  • "You’ll earn my trust if you keep showing integrity."
verb

To score or accumulate points in a game or activity.

Examples

  • "She earned five points in the quiz competition."
  • "He earned a penalty for fouling the opponent during the match."
  • "The team earned an extra point for fair play."
  • "They earned enough points to advance to the finals."
  • "She earned a free round of drinks for her trivia victory."

Cultural Context

The word 'earn' has roots in Middle English and Latin. In its earliest use, it was tied to the concept of receiving compensation for one's labor. Over time, it has also come to encompass broader ideas of deserving or being worthy of something due to one's actions or qualities.

The Reward of Effort

Story

The Reward of Effort

James had always been a hard worker, ever since he was young. Growing up in a small town, he learned early that success didn't come without effort. After finishing college, he landed a job at a prestigious marketing firm in the city, but the real challenge had just begun. To earn the respect of his new colleagues, he knew he had to prove himself. Over the next few months, James worked tirelessly, staying late at the office and brainstorming innovative ideas. It wasn’t long before his efforts paid off. His campaign was a hit, and the company made a significant profit from his work. At the annual company party, James was called on stage to accept the 'Employee of the Year' award. It wasn’t just a reward for his achievements, but also a recognition of his dedication. As he walked up to the podium, his boss said, 'James has earned this award with his hard work and commitment to excellence.' The crowd cheered, and James couldn't help but smile. He had earned this moment, and it felt like the culmination of all his effort. Later that evening, as he sat at the bar with a few colleagues, James reflected on how much he had earned in his career. He had earned his success, his friends, and his place in the company. 'It feels good to be acknowledged,' he said to his friend Sarah, who had been with him since day one. 'But what matters most is how we continue to earn what’s next.' The next day, during a brainstorming session, James realized that he had earned the trust of his team. They looked to him for ideas and guidance, and he was ready to lead. 'Together, we’ll earn the future,' he thought, as the next big project loomed on the horizon. He had learned that earning wasn’t just about money or accolades—it was about consistently striving to be better and deserving the opportunities that came your way.

The Reward of Effort