Hear Meaning

UK /hɪə/
US /hɪr/
Word Definition
hear meaning

Hear Definition & Usage

verb

To perceive sound through the ears.

Examples

  • "I can hear the birds chirping outside."
  • "She heard a loud crash in the other room."
  • "Can you hear me now?"
  • "He heard a strange noise coming from the basement."
  • "They could hear the music from the concert across the street."
verb

To listen to or pay attention to something being said.

Examples

  • "Did you hear what I just said?"
  • "I heard her explain the situation clearly."
  • "Please hear me out before making a decision."
  • "I hear that you're looking for a new job."
  • "He didn't hear the news about the meeting being rescheduled."
verb

To acknowledge or understand something, often used in conversation to show attentiveness.

Examples

  • "I hear you, but I don't agree with your opinion."
  • "He hears what you're saying, but he might not follow through."
  • "I hear you loud and clear, no need to repeat it."
  • "I heard you, but I need time to think it over."
  • "She heard your concerns and will address them later."
verb

To become aware of something through indirect means, such as gossip or rumor.

Examples

  • "I hear you're going to a new school next year."
  • "She heard that there's a big sale at the mall."
  • "I heard it from a reliable source that he's leaving the company."
  • "They say the movie is really good, I’ve heard a lot about it."
  • "I hear you’ve been working hard on your project."

Cultural Context

The verb 'hear' comes from the Old English 'hyran,' which is related to 'hearing' in the modern sense of perceiving sound. Over time, the word has evolved to include metaphorical uses related to communication, understanding, and even rumor. The word's flexibility makes it one of the most widely used verbs in the English language.

The Sound of Change

Story

The Sound of Change

On a chilly afternoon, Emma sat by the window, listening to the soft patter of rain on the glass. As she gazed out at the gray skies, she thought about the conversation she had just had with her best friend, Sarah. 'You didn't hear the latest news, did you?' Sarah had said. Emma nodded slowly, unsure if she should believe it. 'I heard he's leaving the company next month.' Emma tried to brush it off as mere gossip. After all, rumors about workplace changes were common, and she had learned not to trust everything she heard. However, as the evening wore on, Emma's mind kept returning to Sarah's words. Could it be true? She couldn't help but wonder. The next day at work, Emma overheard a conversation in the breakroom. 'I hear they'll announce it officially next week,' one of her colleagues said. Emma’s curiosity grew. Was this the moment everything would change? Later, during the staff meeting, Emma was keenly aware of the whispers in the room. She knew the management team would have to address the issue soon. Her manager, Mr. Andrews, cleared his throat and began, 'I know some of you have heard rumors about changes in the company structure.' Emma’s heart skipped a beat. 'Rest assured, we will address this properly in the coming days.' Despite the tension, Emma realized something. She had been hearing bits and pieces of the story from different sources, and now, she was finally going to hear the truth. In a world full of uncertainty, sometimes all it takes is hearing the right words at the right time to make everything clear. As she walked home that evening, Emma reflected on how much information she had 'heard' throughout the day, not just with her ears, but with her heart. She had heard the truth behind the rumors and the real story behind the noise. This experience would stay with her—reminding her that not all things that are heard are true, but sometimes, the act of hearing brings clarity, even when it's not the whole picture.

The Sound of Change