hear
UK: hɪə | US: hɪr
vt. to perceive or become aware of sound through the ears
vi. to listen or pay attention to something
The word "hear" originates from Old English hīeran, meaning "to perceive sound." It is derived from Proto-Germanic hauzijaną, which shares roots with the Old Norse heyra and Gothic hausjan. This term traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱh₂ḱ-, meaning "to sharpen" or "to perceive keenly," reflecting the idea of acute auditory awareness. Over time, "hear" retained its core meaning of auditory perception while losing its earlier associations with sharpness or alertness.
Can you hear the birds singing outside?
I hear you’re planning a trip next month.
She couldn’t hear the teacher over the noise.
Listen carefully—did you hear that strange sound?
He pretended not to hear her question.