earn
To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.
Verb 4 meanings
To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.
“You can have the s'mores: you earned them, clearing the walkway of snow so well.”
To receive payment for work or for a role or position held (regardless of whether effort was applied or whether the remuneration is deserved or commensurate).
“He earns seven million dollars a year as CEO. My bank account is only earning one percent interest.”
To receive payment for work.
“Now that you are earning, you can start paying me rent.”
To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.
“My CD earns me six percent!”
Etymology
From Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian, from Proto-West Germanic *aʀanōn, from Proto-Germanic *azanōną. This verb is denominal from the noun *azaniz (“harvest”).
Similar and opposite words
EARN at a glance
EARN has 4 letters and scores 4 points in Scrabble (E 1 + A 1 + R 1 + N 1) and 5 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #3,039 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with earn
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