learn

Definition

To acquire, or attempt to acquire knowledge or an ability to do something.

Etymology

From Middle English lernen (“to learn", also, "to teach"”), from Old English leornian (“to learn", rarely also, "to teach”), from Proto-West Germanic *liʀnōn, from Proto-Germanic *lizaną, from Proto-Indo-European *(le-)lóys-e, stative from the root *leys- (“track, furrow, trace, trail”). Cognate with Old Frisian lernia, lerna (“to learn”), Middle Low German lernen (“to learn", also, "to teach”), Middle Dutch leernen (“to learn", also, "to teach”) (whence Dutch lernen (“to study scripture”)), German lernen (“to learn”). See also lore and lear.

Example Sentences

• "It's time Dad learned (how) to change the oil in the car."
• "In my latest job, I've learnt to keep my mouth shut more than in the last one."
• "Toddlers learn to walk at around one year old."

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