Here's a list of synonyms for "learn," grouped by their degree of formality.
Here's a list of synonyms for "learn," grouped by their degree of formality:
Informal Synonyms
1. Pick up
"To pick up" suggests learning something casually or by exposure rather than formal study.
John picked up some Spanish while traveling through Mexico.
2. Catch on
"To catch on" means to understand, often after a period of doubt or confusion.
Olivia finally caught on to the joke.
Neutral Synonyms
3. To Acquire
"To acquire" usually implies gaining a skill or ability rather than knowledge.
Robert acquired the ability to speak French fluently.
4. Master
"To master" implies achieving a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.
Patricia mastered the art of cooking.
5. Absorb
"To absorb" frequently suggests taking in information almost effortlessly or naturally.
Mary absorbed the material quickly.
6. Grasp
"To grasp" means to understand a concept or idea, often after some initial difficulty.
It took him a while to grasp the basic principles of physics.
7. Comprehend
"To comprehend" means to understand something fully and clearly.
David comprehended the complex equation easily.
8. Understand
"To understand" is a more general term for comprehending or grasping the meaning, significance, or nature of something.
We understand how this engine works.
9. Digest
"To digest" implies breaking down complex information to understand it better.
It took me some time to digest the information from the lecture.
10. Familiarize
"To familiarize" means to get to know or acquaint oneself with something.
Barbara familiarized herself with the new software.
11. Discover
"To discover" means to find out something not previously known.
Scientists discover new species all the time.
12. Realize
"To realize" implies to become aware of or come to understand something.
Richard suddenly realized the solution to the problem.
13. Study
"To study" means to apply oneself to acquire knowledge, typically in a structured setting like a school.
Susan is studying biology this semester.
Neutral to Formal
14. Attain
"To attain" implies achieving a certain level or obtaining a specific skill or knowledge.
Sarah attained proficiency in four languages.
15. Assimilate
"To assimilate" suggests absorbing and incorporating knowledge or information into the mind.
The student assimilated the lesson quickly.
