hear
UK[hɪə(r)]US[hɪr]
v
To perceive or become aware of a sound with the ears.
v
To be told or informed about something.
v
To listen or pay attention to someone or something.
Etymology
The journey of 'hear' begins with the Proto-Indo-European root 'h₂ḱ-', associated with sharpness, which combined with a root for ear ('h₂ous-') to form the concept of having acute hearing. This evolved into the Proto-Germanic 'hauzijaną', carrying the core meaning of perceiving sound. In Old English, it became 'hieran', a common verb for the auditory experience. Over centuries, its spelling simplified to 'here' and then stabilized as 'hear', while its meaning expanded from the simple physical act of perceiving sound to include the metaphorical senses of receiving information and listening attentively.
Analysis
The word 'hear' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old English verb 'hieran' or 'hyran', meaning 'to hear, listen, obey'. This Old English form comes from the Proto-Germanic 'hauzijaną', which in turn is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'h₂ḱh₂owsyéti', meaning 'to be sharp-eared' or 'to have a keen sense of hearing'.
Examples
I can hear a bird singing outside my window.
Did you hear the news about the election results?
The judge will hear the witness's testimony tomorrow.