Definitions

learn

[lurn] / lɜrn /

VERB

acquire information

Synonyms

STRONGEST

determine enroll gain get grasp master pick up read receive review study

STRONG

apprentice attain con cram grind imbibe lucubrate matriculate memorize peruse prepare

WEAK

be taught be trained become able become versed brush up on burn midnight oil commit to memory crack the books drink in get down pat get the hang of get the knack of improve mind major in minor in pore over soak up specialize in take course take in train in wade through

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore lose miss misunderstand neglect pass release spend

WEAK

overlook teach

VERB

discover, find out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

determine gain hear see understand

STRONG

ascertain detect discern gather tumble uncover unearth

WEAK

catch on dig up smoke out stumble upon trip over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore miss overlook

WEAK

teach

Usage

What are other ways to say learn? To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning. The verb discover is used with objective clauses as a synonym of learn in order to suggest that the new information acquired is surprising to the learner: I discovered that she had been married before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for learn?

To learn is to acquire knowledge of something through study and/or experience. The process of acquiring knowledge is called learning. To learn a subject or topic is to gain understanding of it—to grasp it. To learn a skill is to become proficient in it (and perhaps eventually to master it). In many cases, learning is the result of teaching. But learning isn’t always formal, like that done in school. We often learn things by teaching ourselves. Learning often involves working to understand something, but sometimes it happens almost automatically. The informal term pick up is sometimes used in the context of acquiring knowledge or skills in this way, such as through immersion, as in I picked up Italian when I spent two semesters in Rome. Another sense of learn (used in phrases like learn of and learn about) means to become or be made aware of something. This often involves hearing about or being informed about something, but sometimes it is more active. Synonyms for the more active sense include ascertain, detect, and discover.

What is another word for eager to learn?

Someone who is eager to learn often has a thirst for knowledge. Such a person is often inherently curious. Students who are eager to learn are often studious. A more general term is enthusiastic.

What is another word for a quick learner?

A quick or fast learner could be described as a quick study. You could describe such a person as having a quick mind or a ready grasp of something or, more informally, as having a mind like a sponge. Such a person could also be described as perceptive.

Is it learnt or learned?

Learned and learnt are both past tense forms of learn, but learned is far more common, especially in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What did you learn from investing in private companies that informs your investments in public companies?

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

"I didn't walk for four months and had to learn to walk again," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

You can give your adviser a “great opportunity” to learn how to listen to his clients’ needs and respect them.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

She wanted to learn more about native plants, so she took a garden design class at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Native Plants in Sun Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Other brain researchers soon learn to use low-voltage electricity to stimulate specific points on the brain.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

Vocabulary lists containing learn

President Obama's second inaugural address

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)

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learn

Usage

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing learn

President Obama's second inaugural address

Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)