earn

UK: ɜːn | US: ɜːrn

Definition

  1. vt. to gain or deserve something through work or effort

  2. vt. to receive money as payment for labor or services

Structure
earn <to harvest or deserve>
Etymology

The word "earn" originates from Old English earnian, meaning "to harvest, deserve, or merit." It is rooted in the Proto-Germanic aznōną, which carries the sense of reaping rewards from labor. Over time, the meaning narrowed to focus on acquiring financial or tangible compensation through effort, reflecting the agricultural metaphor of harvesting crops as the fruit of one's labor.

Examples

  1. She works hard to earn a living.

  2. He earned a promotion after completing the project successfully.

  3. Volunteers earn respect through their dedication.

  4. The investment earned him a significant profit.

  5. It takes years to earn trust in a relationship.