Earn: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.