ENGLISH
REFERENCE

earn

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɝn// UK //ˈɜːn// earn Archaic Dialect General-service

v. to get money by working. You can also use it to describe getting something you deserve, like respect or a good reputation, because of your actions.

v. to receive money or other compensation in return for labour or services; to gain a deserved reward or reputation through merit or effort.


SIMPLE

She works hard to earn a good salary.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of volunteering in the community, he managed to earn the trust of all his neighbours.

COMPLEX

While entry-level employees earn a modest hourly wage, the company offers performance-based bonuses that allow dedicated staff to significantly increase their annual take-home pay.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing money, a living, or an abstract reward like respect.

Pitfall

I win money at my jobI earn money at my jobLearners often confuse 'win' (getting money by luck or competition) with 'earn' (getting money by working).

Idioms2 entries

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