earned
UK: ɜːnd | US: ɜːrnd
adj. gained or acquired through effort or work
vt. past tense and past participle of earn (to receive payment or reward for labor/service)
The word earned derives from Old English earnian ("to earn, deserve, labor for"), which is related to Proto-Germanic aznōną ("to harvest, reap"). The core idea revolves around effort yielding tangible results. The suffix -ed marks it as past tense or a participle, solidifying its role in describing completed actions. Over time, earned has retained its connection to merit and compensation, reflecting societal values around work and reward.
She earned a promotion after years of dedication.
The team earned their victory through rigorous training.
He earned widespread respect for his honesty.
The interest earned on the investment was substantial.
They earned a reputation for excellence in customer service.