Earned: meaning, definitions and examples

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earned

[ˈərnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in the past

obtain, receive, or be paid for work done.

Synonyms

achieve, acquire, attain, gain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
earned	Used when something is obtained through hard work or effort. It often has a positive connotation, emphasizing that the result is deserved. She earned a promotion after years of dedication and hard work. He earned the respect of his colleagues.
gain	Used when obtaining, gaining, or increasing something, such as experience, weight, or profit. It can have a somewhat neutral connotation but may also be used negatively depending on context. She gained a lot of experience from her internship. He gained some weight over the holidays. The company gained a significant market share.
acquire	Used when something is gained, obtained, or acquired, usually not emphasizing the effort involved. It can refer to both tangible and intangible things. He acquired a new set of skills over the summer. She acquired a taste for classical music.
attain	Used when reaching a specific state, level, or condition, often highlighting the difficulty or milestones required to get there. It usually applies to abstract achievements. He attained the highest level in the game. She attained a level of expertise that few can match.
achieve	Used when someone successfully reaches a goal, especially through effort, skill, or courage. It often focuses more on the result rather than the effort. She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor. They achieved remarkable success in their business.

Examples of usage

He earned $50 for mowing the lawn.
She earned a promotion for her hard work.
The team earned a victory in the championship game.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

through effort

deserve to receive (something) as a reward or punishment.

Synonyms

deserve, justify, merit, warrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
earned	Use 'earned' when you have received something as a result of your hard work or achievements. It often describes tangible rewards like money, grades, or points. She earned her promotion through consistent hard work. He earned a medal in the race.
merit	Use 'merit' when referring to someone or something possessing qualities or actions that are worthy of praise, reward, or attention. It is often used in formal contexts. His proposal has a lot of merit. This idea merits further consideration.
deserve	Use 'deserve' when someone has qualities or has done something that make them worthy of a specific outcome or reward. It often carries a sense of moral or ethical rightness. He deserves recognition for his contributions to the project. They deserve a break after working so hard.
warrant	Use 'warrant' when something justifies or necessitates an action or condition. It often implies a sense of official approval or necessity. The situation warrants immediate action. Does this problem warrant a meeting?
justify	Use 'justify' when you need to provide reasons or explanations to support or defend an action, decision, or idea. It often implies that the action or decision is being questioned or under scrutiny. She had to justify her expenses to the finance team. How can you justify this behavior?

Examples of usage

He earned the respect of his colleagues.
She earned a reputation for her honesty.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'earned' comes from the Old English 'earnað', which is related to working hard or acquiring.
Related words like 'earnest' also come from the same root, meaning serious or sincere effort.

Economics

In economics, earned income refers to money received from working, such as wages or salaries.
Taxation often differentiates between earned and unearned income, with varying rates.

Psychology

Achieving a goal through effort triggers the brain's reward system, increasing happiness and satisfaction.
People often feel a stronger sense of accomplishment when they earn something rather than receive it without effort.

Literature

Many stories feature themes of hard work and reward, highlighting how characters earn their achievements through perseverance.
Famous literary works often underscore the idea that virtue and effort lead to rightful rewards.

Culture

Proverbs like 'You reap what you sow' emphasize the cultural belief in earning rewards through hard work.
Different cultures celebrate 'earned' successes, whether personal, academic, or in sports, often through ceremonies and public recognition.

Translations

Translations of the word "earned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ganho

🇮🇳 कमाया

🇩🇪 verdient

🇮🇩 diperoleh

🇺🇦 зароблений

🇵🇱 zarobiony

🇯🇵 稼いだ

🇫🇷 gagné

🇪🇸 ganado

🇹🇷 kazanılan

🇰🇷 벌다

🇸🇦 مكتسب

🇨🇿 vydělaný

🇸🇰 zarobený

🇨🇳 赚得

🇸🇮 zaslužen

🇮🇸 unnið

🇰🇿 табыс

🇬🇪 გამომუშავებული

🇦🇿 qazanılmış

🇲🇽 ganado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,473, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3470 oriented
3471 anger
3472 eliminate
3473 earned
3474 comparatively
3475 inflation
3476 distinguish
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