Definition of "earn" in 英语

verb

1. (transitive) To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.

   • You can have the s'mores: you earned them, clearing the walkway of snow so well.
   • With their hard work and dedication, they earned respect and a seat at the table.

2. (transitive) To receive payment for work or for a role or position held (regardless of whether effort was applied or whether the remuneration is deserved or commensurate).

   • He earns seven million dollars a year as CEO.  My bank account is only earning one percent interest.
   • She earns more than forty thousand dollars a year in passive income from her parents' investments — that's what she gets before she even gets out of bed or lifts a finger.

3. (intransitive) To receive payment for work.

   • Now that you are earning, you can start paying me rent.

4. (transitive) To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.

   • My CD earns me six percent!
   • In that era, all their long, hard, dangerous labor in the mines barely earned them even enough to eat!

5. (transitive) To achieve by being worthy of.

   • to earn a spot in the top 20

verb

1. (transitive, archaic) To curdle (milk), especially in the cheesemaking process.

2. (intransitive, obsolete) Of milk: to curdle, especially in the cheesemaking process.

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To strongly long or yearn (for something or to do something).

2. (intransitive, obsolete) To grieve.

noun

1. Alternative form of erne