Earn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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earn

[ɜrn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

money

To receive money in return for work or services provided.

Synonyms

acquire, gain, obtain, receive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
earn	This word is often used when talking about getting money through work or effort. It can also refer to gaining respect, trust, or other intangible benefits through one's actions. He works hard to earn a living She has earned the respect of her colleagues
gain	This word is often used when someone gradually gets something beneficial or when there is an increase in something, such as weight, strength, or knowledge. She gained a lot of experience during her internship He is trying to gain weight
receive	Use this word when talking about getting something that is given or sent to you, often with a sense of passiveness or simply being at the receiving end of an action. She received a gift from her friend He received a letter from the bank
obtain	This word is generally used when talking about getting something, especially in a formal or legal sense. It emphasizes the effort or process involved. He obtained his visa last week She managed to obtain all the necessary permits
acquire	Use this word when discussing the act of getting or obtaining something, often something substantial like a skill, property, or object, usually through one's own efforts or by purchase. He acquired a new set of skills after months of training They acquired the company last year

Examples of usage

He earns a good salary at his job.
She earns extra cash by freelancing on the side.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

respect

To gain deserved respect or admiration through one's actions or achievements.

Synonyms

deserve, justify, merit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
earn	Use this when someone receives something, such as money, respect, or a reward, through their own effort or actions. She works hard to earn a good salary. He earned the respect of his peers through his dedication.
deserve	This word is appropriate when someone should rightfully receive something because of their actions or qualities. It often carries a sense of fairness. She deserves praise for her hard work. After all his effort, he deserves a break.
merit	This word is appropriate when referring to the inherent value or worth of someone or something, often in a formal context like evaluations or judgments. Her proposal has great merit and should be considered. His performance merits special recognition.
justify	Use this when someone needs to provide reasons or explanations to show that something is reasonable or necessary. It often has a formal or defensive tone. He tried to justify his actions to the committee. Can you justify the cost of this project?

Examples of usage

She has earned the respect of her colleagues through hard work.
He earned a reputation for honesty and integrity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

sports

A run scored in baseball when a player reaches base safely.

Synonyms

run.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
earn	This word is typically used when someone receives money or something valuable through their effort or work. She worked hard to earn a promotion. He earns a good salary at his job.
run	This word is used when someone moves swiftly by foot or operates or manages something, like a business or an organization. She runs five kilometers every morning. He runs a successful bakery in the town.

Word

Description / Examples

earn

This word is typically used when someone receives money or something valuable through their effort or work.

She worked hard to earn a promotion.
He earns a good salary at his job.

run

This word is used when someone moves swiftly by foot or operates or manages something, like a business or an organization.

She runs five kilometers every morning.
He runs a successful bakery in the town.

Examples of usage

The team scored three earns in the first inning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

Earning is a fundamental concept in economics, relating to the generation of income through labor or investment.
The 'earned income tax credit' in many countries encourages working families to earn more by providing tax relief.
Wages and salaries are primary forms of earnings for employees, reflecting their labor contribution.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate hard work and the idea of earning one's way as a virtue.
In some traditions, the phrase 'work hard, earn respect' emphasizes the respect gained through effort.
There are numerous proverbs across cultures that relate to earning, such as 'You reap what you sow.'

Psychology

Psychologically, earning a reward can lead to feelings of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Studies show that people tend to value things more when they have worked to earn them.
The concept of earning fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability in individuals.

Literature

Earning a living is a common theme in literature, showcasing characters' growth through their work.
In many narratives, earning represents personal struggle and development, highlighting the hero’s journey.
Classic literature often contrasts earning through effort versus inheriting wealth, exploring moral lessons.

Origin of 'earn'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'leornian,' meaning to gain knowledge or acquire.
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'izarnan,' which means to earn or win.
Originally, it referred to gaining a reward through effort, not just financial gain.

The word 'earn' originated from the Old English word 'earnian', meaning 'deserve, earn, merit, succeed'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to denote the act of receiving money for work or services provided, as well as gaining respect or admiration through one's actions or achievements.

See also: earned, earnest, earning, earnings, unearned.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,813, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4810 encouragement
4811 toxic
4812 terror
4813 earn
4814 expiration
4815 eager
4816 economically
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