Hearing
/ˈhɪə.rɪŋ/noun
The act or ability of perceiving sound; also a formal session where information is presented and considered.
Did you know?In Old English, the root behind hearing was tied to both perceiving sound and obeying, showing how deeply language once linked listening with submission to a voice or command.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱéḱlos?
“No secure direct root for modern English hearing is usually cited from this stage; the word is inherited through Germanic rather than a clear PIE form in standard reference summaries.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hauzijaną
“To hear, listen to, or perceive by ear.”
Old English
OE
hieran / hȳran
“To hear, obey, listen to, or learn by hearing.”
Middle English
ME
heren / heren
“To hear; also to obey or pay attention to.”
Modern English
English
hearing
“The act or faculty of perceiving sound; a formal session of consideration or judgment.”