What is hearing? Pronunciation and usage in English

hearing means . Learn how to pronounce and use hearing through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hearing

hearingnoun

/ˈhɪərɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of hearing

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hearing." It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The general pronunciation is: /hɪərɪŋ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • hi-: This part is straightforward. It sounds like "hi" as in "hi, how are you?" The "i" is a long "i" sound, like in "machine."

  • -er: This is a short "er" sound, like in "her" or "term."

  • -ing: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "ing" in "singing," but with a slightly more emphasized "ih" sound at the beginning. Think of it as almost saying "ih-ring."

Here's a helpful breakdown and some tips:

  1. Focus on the "ih" in "-ing": Don’t just say “ing” like in “ring.” Reach for that “ih” sound.

  2. Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: hi-.

  3. Listen to examples: This is crucial. Hearing it spoken by native speakers is the best way to get it right. Here are some resources:

To summarize, try saying it like this:

"HI-er-ih-ring" (emphasize the first syllable)

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example of how it's pronounced?
  • Give you some more practice words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word hearing in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hearing" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The primary use):

  • The Ability to Hear: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the sense of hearing itself.

    • Example: "She has excellent hearing."
    • Example: "People with hearing loss may need hearing aids."
    • Example: "The doctor tested his hearing."

  • A Session or Appointment for Hearing Tests:

    • Example: "I need to go for a hearing appointment."
    • Example: "The audiologist performed a comprehensive hearing test."

  • A Performance or Concert: (Less Common, but still used)

    • Example: "We went to a jazz hearing last night." (This means a live performance – a slightly older usage)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, but important):

  • To Listen Carefully: This is the most frequent verb use.

    • Example: “Please hear me out.” (Listen to what I’m saying)
    • Example: “She didn’t hear the question.” (She didn't pay attention to the question)
    • Example: “I need you to hear my concerns.” (Listen to my concerns)

  • To Perceive Sound: (More formal)

    • Example: “The microphone is designed to hear faint sounds.”

  • To Be Aware of Something (Figurative): This is used less literally, but implies understanding or acknowledging.

    • Example: “He heard her apology.” (He acknowledged her apology – understood it.)

3. Phrases Using "Hearing":

  • Hearing Loss: The condition of not being able to hear properly.

    • Example: "He suffers from progressive hearing loss."

  • Hearing Aid: A device used to improve hearing.

    • Example: "She wears hearing aids to help her hear better."

  • Hearing Impairment: A broader term for reduced hearing ability.

  • Hearing Range: The range of frequencies a person can hear.

  • Hearing about something: To learn about something.

    • Example: “I heard about your wedding.” (I learned about your wedding)

Tips for Using "Hearing" Correctly:

  • Noun vs. Verb: Pay attention to whether you’re describing the ability to hear (noun) or the action of listening/perceiving (verb).
  • Context is Key: The best way to understand the meaning of "hearing" is to consider the context of the sentence.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "hearing" in a specific context (e.g., medical, everyday conversation)?
  • Explain the difference between "hearing" and "ear"?

Synonyms for the word hearing

Idioms of the word hearing

in/within (somebody’s) hearing
near enough to somebody so that they can hear what is said
  • She shouldn't have said such things in your hearing.
  • For God's sake, don't mention it in her hearing.
  • I had no reason to believe there was anyone within hearing.
out of hearing
too far away to hear somebody/something or to be heard
  • She had moved out of hearing.
  • We were just out of the captain's hearing.

Practice with vocabulary hearing

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The legal team requested an emergency ______ to present new evidence before the final verdict.
  2. Despite the loud construction outside, her ______ was sharp enough to catch the whispered conversation across the room.
  3. The company installed advanced ______ equipment to detect even the slightest variations in the machinery's operation.
  4. His acute ______ of subtle market shifts allowed him to make timely and profitable investments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes the biological faculty of perceiving sound? a) Sight b) Taste c) Hearing d) Touch e) Smell

  2. The judge presided over the preliminary ______ where arguments from both sides were presented before the trial. a) discussion b) deliberation c) hearing d) counsel e) conference

  3. After the explosion, medical reports confirmed the employee suffered significant damage to his ______, resulting in partial deafness. a) sight b) hearing c) touch d) balance e) motor skills

  4. Which words describe something that can be perceived by the ear? (Choose all that apply) a) Visible b) Audible c) Tactile d) Inaudible e) Sonorous

  5. To accurately record the details of the presentation, it's crucial to ______ carefully to the speaker's every word. a) watch b) look c) listen d) perceive e) notice

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: During the legal proceedings, the lawyers presented their opening statements to the judge. Rewrite: The judge presided over the initial ______, where the lawyers presented their opening statements.

  2. Original: He relies heavily on his ears to navigate, as his vision is impaired. Rewrite: With his impaired vision, he relies heavily on his ______ for navigation.

  3. Original: The faint whisper was difficult to make out, even in the quiet room. Rewrite: The faint whisper was barely ______, even in the quiet room.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hearing
  2. hearing
  3. auditory
  4. perception

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Hearing
  2. c) Hearing
  3. b) Hearing
  4. b) Audible, e) Sonorous
  5. c) Listen

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The judge presided over the initial hearing, where the lawyers presented their opening statements.
  2. With his impaired vision, he relies heavily on his sense of hearing for navigation.
  3. The faint whisper was barely discernible, even in the quiet room.

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