Home Dictionary Hhear

hear

Do not confuse "hear" with "listen". Hearing is the physical ability to perceive sound, while listening is paying attention to that sound on purpose. When used in a legal context (like a judge hearing a case), it means to officially listen to evidence or arguments before making a decision. In casual conversation, "I hear" is often used as a softer way to say "I have been told" or "people are saying," rather than stating a fact you saw yourself.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a quiet office cubicle during a mandatory quarterly review meeting.

Mark

Did you hear the rumors about the bonus cuts? Total bummer.

David

Let's circle back on that later. I'm trying to synergize this slide deck.

💡

Mark uses 'hear' in the sense of receiving news/rumors and employs the slang 'bummer' to express disappointment. David responds using corporate buzzwords ('circle back', 'synergize') which is characteristic of his persona as a manager trying to sound like a visionary.

Meanings

verb (transitive)

To perceive with the ear the sound made by someone or something.

"I could hear someone calling my name from across the street."

verb (intransitive)

To be able to perceive sound; to have the faculty of hearing.

"Can you hear me clearly over the noise?"

verb (transitive)

To receive information or news from another source.

"I hear that you are planning to move to New York next month."

verb (transitive)

To listen to a formal statement or case in a court of law.

"The judge will hear the evidence tomorrow morning."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error