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Definitions

learn

[lurn] / lɜrn /
VERB
acquire information
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determine enroll gain get grasp master pick up read receive review study
STRONG
apprentice attain con cram grind imbibe lucubrate matriculate memorize peruse prepare
WEAK
be taught be trained become able become versed brush up on burn midnight oil commit to memory crack the books drink in get down pat get the hang of get the knack of improve mind major in minor in pore over soak up specialize in take course take in train in wade through
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore lose miss misunderstand neglect pass release spend
WEAK
overlook teach
VERB
discover, find out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determine gain hear see understand
STRONG
ascertain detect discern gather tumble uncover unearth
WEAK
catch on dig up smoke out stumble upon trip over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore miss overlook
WEAK
teach

Usage

What are other ways to say learn? To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning. The verb discover is used with objective clauses as a synonym of learn in order to suggest that the new information acquired is surprising to the learner: I discovered that she had been married before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for learn?
To learn is to acquire knowledge of something through study and/or experience. The process of acquiring knowledge is called learning. To learn a subject or topic is to gain understanding of it—to grasp it. To learn a skill is to become proficient in it (and perhaps eventually to master it). In many cases, learning is the result of teaching. But learning isn’t always formal, like that done in school. We often learn things by teaching ourselves. Learning often involves working to understand something, but sometimes it happens almost automatically. The informal term pick up is sometimes used in the context of acquiring knowledge or skills in this way, such as through immersion, as in I picked up Italian when I spent two semesters in Rome. Another sense of learn (used in phrases like learn of and learn about) means to become or be made aware of something. This often involves hearing about or being informed about something, but sometimes it is more active. Synonyms for the more active sense include ascertain, detect, and discover.
What is another word for eager to learn?
Someone who is eager to learn often has a thirst for knowledge. Such a person is often inherently curious. Students who are eager to learn are often studious. A more general term is enthusiastic.
What is another word for a quick learner?
A quick or fast learner could be described as a quick study. You could describe such a person as having a quick mind or a ready grasp of something or, more informally, as having a mind like a sponge. Such a person could also be described as perceptive.
Is it learnt or learned?
Learned and learnt are both past tense forms of learn, but learned is far more common, especially in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"These are the properties you need if you want hardware that can learn and adapt, rather than just store bits," said Bakhit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

"This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking screen time in schools to make sure we are doing what actually helps students learn best."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

It could learn from India, which jettisoned antipathy toward Israel in the early 1990s, at around the same time that it embraced a more market-based economic outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

“It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“You will watch your recap, and you will continue watching recaps until you learn the importance of a second. We will get this simulation on your schedule for next week.”

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing learn

President Obama's second inaugural address

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Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)

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