Definition of hear

Short definition: The word hear means to notice sounds using your ears, such as voices, music, or noise around you. People also use it to describe receiving information or news, even when The word is not heard directly.

Looking for a clear and real-life explanation of the word hear? The word hear is not only about using your ears to catch sounds—it also covers understanding information, receiving news, paying attention, and even emotionally listening to others. In everyday English, we use hear to talk about physical sound, awareness, and meaningful communication. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, natural way with long examples that reflect how people truly use this word.

hear v. /hɪr/

Verb forms: hear, hears, hearing, heard
Related: hearing n., unheard adj., hearer n.
Syllable: hear

(Verb) To notice sounds using your ears.
I could hear the rain hitting the roof all night, which strangely made it easier for me to fall asleep.

She heard footsteps behind her, and for a moment she wasn’t sure whether to turn around.

Even from a distance, he could hear the children laughing in the playground.

Synonyms: listen to, perceive, detect, catch the sound of, pick up, notice audibly, sense, overhear, register, be aware of sound, catch, tune in to
Antonyms: not hear, miss the sound, ignore noise, be deaf to, block out, tune out, fail to notice, overlook sound, be unaware of noise, miss entirely, not perceive, disregard
(Verb) To receive information or news about something.
I heard about the new project through a colleague, and it immediately caught my interest.

She heard that her friend was moving abroad, which made her feel both excited and a little sad.

Have you heard the latest update about the company’s plans?

Synonyms: learn, find out, get word of, be informed about, receive news of, catch wind of, discover, be told, come to know, hear news of, pick up information, be notified
Antonyms: not know, stay uninformed, miss the news, be unaware of, ignore information, overlook updates, remain in the dark, fail to find out, not be told, miss out on, not learn, disregard news
(Verb) To listen carefully to someone, especially when they are expressing thoughts or feelings.
I really want you to hear me, not just listen to my words but understand how I feel.

She felt relieved when someone finally took the time to truly hear her side of the story.

Good leaders know how to hear their team, especially when problems are not easy to talk about.

Synonyms: listen to, pay attention to, understand, take in, acknowledge, consider, empathize with, give ear to, be receptive to, be open to, attend to, respect the voice of
Antonyms: ignore, dismiss, talk over, shut out, refuse to listen, overlook feelings, disregard opinions, silence, tune out emotionally, brush off, block communication, reject input
(Verb) To consider or judge a case, complaint, or request officially.
The court agreed to hear the case, giving both sides a chance to explain their arguments.

The manager promised to hear everyone’s concerns before making a final decision.

The committee will hear suggestions during next week’s meeting.

Synonyms: consider, listen to formally, review, examine, assess, evaluate, take under advisement, deliberate on, judge, give a hearing to, entertain, process
Antonyms: dismiss without hearing, ignore formally, refuse to consider, reject outright, shut down discussion, deny a hearing, overlook complaints, block review, silence objections, disregard appeals, turn away, exclude from review
(Figurative) To be willing to accept advice, warnings, or guidance.
He didn’t hear the advice at first, but later realized how important it really was.

Sometimes we need to hear the truth, even when it makes us uncomfortable.

She finally began to hear her inner voice, trusting her instincts more than before.

Synonyms: accept advice, take seriously, heed, listen to guidance, pay attention to warnings, consider carefully, follow counsel, respect advice, be open to feedback, take to heart, acknowledge warnings, listen wisely
Antonyms: ignore advice, dismiss warnings, refuse to listen, reject guidance, overlook counsel, disregard feedback, turn a deaf ear, stubbornly ignore, brush off advice, neglect warnings, stay closed-minded, refuse input

Conversation Using the Word Hear

This conversation takes place between two coworkers discussing an announcement. It shows how the word hear is used naturally to talk about listening, sharing news, and understanding information in the workplace.

Brian: Did you hear the announcement this morning?

Laura: I did, but I couldn’t hear everything clearly.

Brian: They said the schedule will change next week.

Laura: Oh, I didn’t hear that part. Thanks for telling me.

Brian: No problem. I heard about it earlier from the manager.

Laura: I’m glad I heard it from you before making plans.

Brian: If you hear any updates, let me know.

Laura: Sure. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something new.

Brian: Communication really matters.

Laura: Absolutely. It helps when everyone hears the same information.

Phrases Containing the Word Hear

The phrases below show how the word hear is used to talk about listening, receiving information, and reacting to news in everyday English.

Hear a sound

To notice noise.

I heard a strange sound outside the window last night.

Hear the news

To receive information.

Did you hear the news about the new project?

Hear a story

To listen to a tale.

I love hearing stories about people’s life experiences.

Hear from someone

To receive a message.

I finally heard from my old friend after many years.

Hear about

To learn information.

I heard about the change only yesterday.

Hear clearly

To listen well.

I can’t hear clearly when there’s too much noise.

Hear someone out

To listen completely.

Please hear me out before making a decision.

Hear a voice

To notice someone speaking.

I heard a voice calling my name.

Hear the difference

To notice change in sound.

With good headphones, you can hear the difference in quality.

Hear a rumor

To receive unconfirmed news.

I heard a rumor about the office moving locations.

Hear a complaint

To listen to a problem.

The manager patiently heard the customer’s complaint.

Hear a warning

To receive advice.

I heard a warning about the weather and stayed inside.

Hear every word

To listen carefully.

In the quiet room, I could hear every word she said.

Hear the truth

To learn real facts.

Everyone deserves to hear the truth eventually.

Hear a suggestion

To listen to advice.

I’m always happy to hear suggestions from the team.

Hear someone speak

To listen to a person talking.

I finally heard her speak in public for the first time.

Hear music

To notice sound.

I can hear music coming from the next room.

Hear a difference

To notice change.

After the update, you can hear a difference in sound quality.

Hear something first

To receive news before others.

I heard about the decision first from my manager.

Hear the call

To feel motivated.

Some people hear the call to help others.

Words Rhyme with hear

near

clear

fear

dear

year

beer

deer

gear

steer

cheer

peer

rear

shear

spear

tier

appear

career

engineer

volunteer

souvenir

sincere

severe

pioneer

atmosphere

hemisphere

frontier

revere

premier

cavalier

adhere

POS: Verb