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Definition hear in British English

hear verb

verb
/hɪə(r)/

When you hear a sound, you become conscious of it: Did you hear the thunder last night?I did not hear the door open.

When you listen, you deliberately pay attention to a sound in order to hear it: I listened carefully but I could not hear the thunder.I always listen to the radio in my car.

You hear something, but you listen to something.

1

to realize that someone or something is making a sound

Example

He listened but heard nothing more.

Example

Mary heard the sound of voices.

Example

Shh - I can't hear.

Example

No one could hear what she said.

Example

He heard the door slam shut.

Example

She heard the dog barking outside.

Synonyms and related words
make out hear overhear
2

to receive information about something

Example

Have you heard? Lucy passed her exam.

Example

I heard he'd got a new job.

Example

Did you hear about Jim's party?

Example

We didn't hear of his death until many years later.

Example

I'm delighted to hear that you're coming.

Example

I came home as soon as I heard what happened.

Example

We heard rumours that the school was going to close.

Synonyms and related words
make out hear overhear
3

to listen to someone who is speaking about a particular thing

Example

We'll meet again in two weeks, when I'll hear your suggestions.

Example

We're all eager to hear what he has to say.

Example

All members are entitled to be heard on this matter.

Synonyms and related words
hear out listen hear from
3.1

to listen to something such as a speech, performance, or programme

Example

I want to hear the news on the radio before I go.

Example

Do you want to hear this story or not?

Example

He's got a great voice - you should hear him sing.

Synonyms and related words
hear out listen hear from
4

to notice that someone is affected by a particular feeling from the way that they are speaking

Example

He heard the bitterness in her voice.

Synonyms and related words
notice recognize observe
4.1

to understand what someone is saying to you

Example

Look, you're just not hearing me, are you?

Synonyms and related words
understand know work out
5

used for talking about the things that people say

Example

I'm surprised to hear you say that.

Example

I haven't heard him offering to help (=he has not offered).

Example

You won't hear me complain (=I won't complain).

Example

One visitor was heard to remark something about the entrance fee.

6

if a court case is heard, it is dealt with by a court or judge

Example

The appeal will be heard by a single judge.

Synonyms and related words
affirm allow all rise
6.1

if a court hears something, that is what is said in court

Example

The court heard that he had been drinking.

Example

The jury heard evidence from his employees.

Synonyms and related words
affirm allow all rise
Definition hear in British English

Related Words

Words related to hear:

can’t hear yourself think (phrase) hear (verb) hear from (phrasal verb) hear of (phrasal verb) hear out (phrasal verb) hear wedding bells (phrase) Hear! Hear! (phrase) I can’t hear myself think (phrase) I hear you (phrase) I hear you (phrase) let’s hear it (phrase) let’s hear it for (phrase) never hear the of it (phrase) not hear a dicky bird () not hear a squeak someone () not hear a word (said) against () not etc a (single) word () not want to hear something () you could hear a pin drop (phrase) you ought to etc (phrase) etc hear about it (phrase)