Word
heard
US/ˈhɝd/
UK/hˈɜːd/
Definitions
01past tense of hear
A1 · Beginner
v. the past form of 'hear' — you use it when a sound reached your ears in the past.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'hear', indicating the past perception of sound or the receipt of information.
“I heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen last night.”
“The witness claimed she had heard a heated argument through the thin apartment walls just moments before the police arrived.”
Usage
The past participle form is identical to the simple past form.
Pitfall
I have heared that song before.
I have heard that song before.
The verb 'hear' is irregular; do not add '-ed' to the end.
Synonyms
02perceived by the ear
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes a sound that people are able to hear or have noticed.
adj. perceived aurally; often used in the context of voices or sounds being audible to others.
“She spoke softly, but her voice was still heard across the room.”
“The composer was delighted to find that his early works were finally being heard by a wider international audience.”
Usage
Often used after the noun it describes or as a predicative adjective.
03I understand
C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang
interj. a casual way to say 'I understand you' or 'I got it'.
interj. a colloquial interjection used to acknowledge that a statement has been understood or accepted.
“I need those reports on my desk by five. — Heard.”
“After the chef shouted the order for three steaks, the entire kitchen staff responded with a unified 'Heard' to confirm receipt.”
Teaching tip
This usage is common in professional kitchens and high-pressure environments to confirm instructions quickly.
Synonyms
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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