earn
UK[ɜːn]US[ɜːrn]
v
to get money for work that you do
v
to get something that you deserve because of your qualities or actions
Etymology
the verb 'earn' originates from the old english 'earnian', meaning "to earn, deserve, merit, labor for". this old english term is of germanic origin, related to old high german 'arnēn' meaning "to reap, earn". it is ultimately traced back to the proto-germanic root 'aznōną', which carries the sense of "to harvest" or "to earn". the semantic evolution is clear: from the literal act of harvesting crops as a reward for labor, the meaning broadened to signify receiving any rightful reward or compensation for one's work or qualities. this journey from a concrete agricultural concept to an abstract economic and moral one illustrates a common path of lexical development.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from old english. it is not productively composed of separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he works hard to earn a living for his family.
her dedication earned her the respect of her colleagues.
the investment is expected to earn a high rate of return.