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.

Some longtime CDC staffers have credited Beyda with being a quick study and making an effort to ask questions and learn on the job.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one," said Kendall.

From BBC

It took countries like Ukraine and Israel time to learn how to effectively defend against the threat of drones fired by adversaries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Using an advanced light based imaging method combined with machine learning, the team examined brain tissue from both healthy and Alzheimer's affected animals.

From Science Daily

One of Gyllenhaal’s biggest learning curves in directing “The Lost Daughter” was figuring out how to speak to each actor individually to get the most out of them.

From Los Angeles Times

learn

Usage

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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