ear
/ɪr/
NOUN
1. Organ of hearing
The sensory organ responsible for detecting sound and enabling the sense of hearing, including its external, middle, and inner structures.
1.1. Human and animal anatomy
Refers to the physical hearing organ of humans or animals, including the external ear and its internal structures.
Synonyms
- auricle
- pinna
- auditory organ
Examples
- The cat perked up its ear at the sound of a distant rustle.
- He whispered a secret into her ear, making her giggle.
- The child held the seashell to their ear to listen to the ocean waves.
Related Words
- eardrum
- cochlea
- earlobe
- ear canal
- auditory nerve
- hearing
- hearing organ
- middle ear
- inner ear
NOUN
2. Ability to hear and perceive sounds
The faculty of hearing or the ability to recognize, distinguish, and appreciate sounds, particularly speech and music.
2.1. Hearing and sound perception
Refers to the ability to perceive and recognize sounds through hearing, including the capacity to distinguish different tones and auditory details.
Synonyms
- hearing
- audition
- auditory perception
Antonyms
- deafness
- hearing loss
- insensitivity
Examples
- The musician carefully tuned his guitar by ear before the performance.
Related Words
- listening
- sound
- auditory sense
- sound perception
- acoustics
- hearing ability
- sound recognition
2.2. Musical sensitivity and appreciation
Describes a person's natural ability to recognize musical notes, melodies, pitch, rhythm, and harmony, or to appreciate the qualities of music.
Synonyms
- musicality
- musical sensitivity
- musical aptitude
- taste
Examples
- She has an excellent ear for music and can identify a song after hearing just a few notes.
- His ear for classical music developed through years of listening and practice.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Attention and willingness to listen
The attention, consideration, or opportunity given to someone when listening to their words, opinions, requests, or concerns.
3.1. Attention and consideration
Refers to the attention or thoughtful consideration someone gives to another person's words, advice, concerns, or opinions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The manager gave a sympathetic ear to the employees' concerns.
- She lent a willing ear to her friend's problems.
Related Words
- listening
- awareness
- mindfulness
- consciousness
- attentiveness
- recognition
- respect
- responsiveness
3.2. Opportunity to be heard
Refers to the privilege or opportunity to speak directly to someone, especially a person in authority, who is willing to listen and consider a request.
Synonyms
- audience
- hearing
- consideration
- attention
Antonyms
- rejection
- dismissal
- disregard
- refusal
Examples
- The citizens hoped to gain the mayor's ear during the public meeting.
- The lawyer finally had the president's ear and presented the proposal.
Related Words
NOUN
4. Informant and source of information
A person who secretly provides information, especially to the police or another authority, about the activities or plans of others.
4.1. Police and confidential informants
Refers to someone who secretly supplies information about criminal activities, suspects, or investigations to law enforcement authorities.
Synonyms
- informant
- source
- snitch
- squealer
- stool pigeon
- tipster
Examples
- The detective relied on a trusted ear within the organization to uncover the criminal operation.
Related Words
- confidential source
- whistleblower
- undercover agent
- intelligence
- tip-off
- surveillance
- investigation
NOUN
5. Projection or attachment resembling an ear
A projecting part of an object that resembles an animal's ear in shape or position and serves as a support, fastening point, or handle.
5.1. Handles and mechanical projections
Describes a projecting piece, lug, or attachment on an object that provides a point for gripping, lifting, fastening, or supporting it.
Synonyms
Examples
- The metal container had small ears on each side for lifting.
- The carpenter repaired the broken ear of the wooden handle.
Related Words
NOUN
6. Fruiting head of a grain plant
The flowering or seed-bearing head of a cereal plant, such as wheat, corn, or barley, in which grains develop.
6.1. Grain and agricultural crops
Refers to the seed-bearing portion of a cereal plant, particularly the mature head containing kernels or grains.
Synonyms
- ear of corn
- cob
- spike
- seed head
Examples
- Each ear of corn was filled with plump, golden kernels.
- The wheat ears swayed gently in the summer breeze.