learn

To get knowledge or a new skill through study or practice.

• I want to learn French.
• He learned to swim last summer.
• What skills are you learning at school?

How to use it: learn to do something (She is learning to drive.); learn how to do something (We learned how to make bread.)

Similar words: study, master

Common phrases: learn English, learn to swim, learn a skill, learn a language

To find out something you did not know before.

• I learned the news yesterday.
• We have learned that the train is delayed.
• When did you learn about his new job?

How to use it: learn that… (We learned that the shop had closed.); learn of/about something (She learned of the accident yesterday.)

Similar words: find out, discover, hear

Common phrases: learn the truth, learn about something, learn of something

To use an experience, especially a mistake, to do better in the future.

• We learn from our mistakes.
• She learned never to leave her bag unattended.
• Have you learned anything from this experience?

How to use it: learn from something (We must learn from this failure.)

Common phrases: learn from mistakes, learn a lesson, learn from experience

To teach someone something, often by making them face an unpleasant result.

• That will learn you!
• A cold night outside will learn him to take his keys.
• She said the fine would learn them a lesson.

How to use it: learn someone to do something (That will learn him to keep his promises.)

Similar words: teach

Common phrases: learn someone, learn someone a lesson