learning

"Learning" is a word you will encounter constantly in everyday life, education, and professional settings. It works as both a noun and a verb form, and it carries a couple of closely related but distinct meanings. Here are the most important ones.

1nounthe process of gaining knowledge or skills

When you study, practice, or experience something new and it changes what you know or can do, that process is called 'learning'. Think of it as the journey your brain takes when it picks up something it did not know before.

education, everyday language · Modern, widely used

Learning a new language takes time and consistent practice.

The teacher created a calm environment to support her students' learning.

He found that learning through real-life situations was more effective than reading textbooks.

2verbpresent participle of 'learn' — actively acquiring knowledge

This is the '-ing' form of the verb 'learn'. You use it to describe something that is happening right now or is ongoing. When you say 'I am learning', you mean the action of gaining knowledge is in progress at this moment.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She is learning how to play the guitar.

They are learning about the history of ancient Rome in school.

I have been learning English for three years now.

3nounknowledge already gained — a body of knowledge

Sometimes 'learning' refers not to the process, but to the knowledge a person has already collected over time. In this sense, it describes someone who is very educated or well-read. This use is a little more formal.

formal writing, academia · Formal, more common in older or literary texts

The professor was a man of great learning, respected by all his colleagues.

Her learning in the field of medicine helped her solve the difficult case.

The ancient library was a treasure house of human learning.

4adjectiverelated to or designed for the purpose of learning

You will often see 'learning' placed before a noun to describe something that is connected to education or the process of gaining skills. For example, a 'learning environment' is a place designed to help people learn.

education, everyday language · Modern, widely used

The school invested in new learning materials for its students.

She has a learning disability that makes reading more challenging for her.

Online platforms offer many learning opportunities for people of all ages.