earn

Definition

To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.

Etymology

From Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian, from Proto-West Germanic *aʀanōn, from Proto-Germanic *azanōną. This verb is denominal from the noun *azaniz (“harvest”).

Example Sentences

• "You can have the s'mores: you earned them, clearing the walkway of snow so well."
• "With their hard work and dedication, they earned respect and a seat at the table."
• "Carried somehow, somewhither, for some reason, on these surging floods, were these travelers, of errand not wholly obvious to their fellows, yet of such sort as to call into query alike the nature of their errand and their own relations. It is easily earned repetition to state that Josephine St. Auban's was a presence not to be concealed."