English Reference
verb · adjective · interjection

heard

v. · adj. · interj.
US /ˈhɝd/ UK /hˈɜːd/ heard

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    I heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen last night.

    In context

    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.

    listened tooverheard
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    She spoke softly, but her voice was still heard across the room.

    In context

    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.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    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.

    Simple

    I need those reports on my desk by five. — Heard.

    In context

    After the chef shouted the order for three steaks, the entire kitchen staff responded with a unified 'Heard' to confirm receipt.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is common in professional kitchens and high-pressure environments to confirm instructions quickly.

Usage heard a loud

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated