# Lear

/ˈɫɪɹ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lear
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

knowledge or learning that you get from books or experience. It is an old-fashioned word that you mostly see in poetry or very old stories.

For teachers: knowledge, learning, or lore acquired through study or experience. Primarily encountered in literary or historical contexts.

## Examples

- The old man shared his ancient lear with the children.
- The library was filled with dusty volumes containing the forgotten lear of past civilizations.
- In the epic poem, the protagonist seeks out a hermit renowned for his deep lear of the natural world and the movements of the stars.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in literary or poetic contexts; largely replaced by 'learning' or 'lore' in modern English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.