learned
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.the past tense of 'learn', used when you have gained knowledge or a skill.
v.the past tense and past participle of 'learn'. While 'learnt' is common in British English, 'learned' is the standard form in American English.
Simple“She learned how to drive a car during the summer holidays.”
In context“Having learned the fundamentals of coding in primary school, the student found the university-level introductory course somewhat redundant.”
PitfallI have learnted a lot today. I have learned a lot today.Do not add '-ed' to the end of 'learnt'; 'learned' is already the full past form.
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describes a person who has studied a lot and has deep knowledge.
adj.possessing or demonstrating profound, often systematic, knowledge; erudite.
Simple“The professor was a learned man who had written ten books on history.”
In context“The conference featured several learned speakers who provided a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical shifts in the region.”
UsageIn this sense, the word is pronounced with two syllables: 'learn-ed'.
Teacher's tipAdvise students that the two-syllable pronunciation is essential for the adjective sense to distinguish it from the one-syllable verb form.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.a formal way to talk about a lawyer or a judge.
adj.a formal, courteous epithet used within legal contexts to refer to members of the bar or the bench.
Simple“The lawyer addressed his learned friend across the courtroom.”
In context“The judge noted that the learned counsel for the defence had failed to provide sufficient evidence for the motion.”
UsageTypically used in phrases like 'my learned friend' when one lawyer refers to another in court.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a behavior or skill that you get from experience, not something you are born with.
adj.describing a response or trait acquired through experience or conditioning rather than being innate.
Simple“Fear of snakes is often a learned behavior rather than a natural one.”
In context“Psychologists argue that many social anxieties are learned responses to early childhood environments rather than inherent personality traits.”
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage quickly learned