GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Learn (lẽrn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Learned (lẽrnd), or Learnt (lẽrnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Learning.] [OE. lernen, leornen, AS. leornian; akin to OS. linōn, for lirnōn, OHG. lirnēn, lernēn, G. lernen, fr. the root of AS. lǣran to teach, OS. lērian, OHG. lēran, G. lehren, Goth. laisjan, also Goth lais I know, leis acquainted (in comp.); all prob. from a root meaning, to go, go over, and hence, to learn; cf. AS. leoran to go.  Cf. Last a mold of the foot, lore.]
   1. To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding of, or skill; as, “to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to learn the truth about something.” “Learn to do well.”  Is. i. 17.
   
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   Now learn a parable of the fig tree. Matt. xxiv. 32.
   
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   2. To communicate knowledge to; to teach. [Obs.]
   
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   Hast thou not learned me how
   
   To make perfumes ? Shak.
   
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   ☞ Learn formerly had also the sense of teach, in accordance with the analogy of the French and other languages, and hence we find it with this sense in Shakespeare, Spenser, and other old writers.  This usage has now passed away.  To learn is to receive instruction, and to teach is to give instruction.  He who is taught learns, not he who teaches.
   
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2.       
   Learned (lẽrnˈĕd), a. Of or pertaining to learning; possessing, or characterized by, learning, esp. scholastic learning; erudite; well-informed; as, “a learned scholar, writer, or lawyer; a learned book; a learned theory.”
   
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   The learnedlover lost no time. Spenser.
   
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   Men of much reading are greatly learned, but may be little knowing. Locke.
   
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   Words of learned length and thundering sound. Goldsmith.
   
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   The learned, learned men; men of erudition; scholars.
   
   -- Learn"ed*ly, adv. Learn"ed*ness, n.
   
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   Every coxcomb swears as learnedly as they. Swift.
   
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