learn

The word “learn” means to gain knowledge or a skill through study, practice, or experience. In plain terms, to gain new knowledge or skill, or to find out something.

“Learn” is pronounced lurn (/lɝn/ in IPA).

Here is “learn” used in a sentence: “She learned to play the piano as a child.”

Words with a similar meaning to “learn” include study.

The opposite of “learn” — its antonyms — are forget and teach.

“Learn” is a verb.

The word “learn” comes from Old English. From Old English leornian, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "track" or "trail" — the idea of following a path to knowledge.

“Learn” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

Studying is the effort you put in — reading, reviewing, and practising material with focus. Learning is the result: the knowledge or skill you actually gain and keep. You can study for hours yet learn little, or learn quickly through experience without formal study. Studying is the activity; learning is the outcome.

People learn in several ways: through study, such as reading and instruction; through practice, by repeating an action until it becomes skill; and through experience, by living through events and drawing lessons from them. Many people also learn socially, by watching and imitating others. Most real learning blends all of these together.

Within reason, most people can learn most skills given time, effort, and good teaching, though talent and circumstances affect how quickly. Age, practice, and motivation matter more than many assume. Very few abilities are truly closed to a willing learner, but some demand far more patience and repetition than others.

Learning lets people adapt, solve problems, and improve their lives and work. It builds the knowledge and skills a person needs to make decisions, earn a living, and understand the world. Because circumstances constantly change, the ability to keep learning throughout life is one of the most valuable human capacities.