Reading Theme:
Ear Definition: Hearing Organ & Musical Ear (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：hearing organ (ear)
ear
/ɪər/
n.
The part on the side of your head that you use to hear sounds.
hearing organ
➕
/ˈhɪərɪŋ ˈɔːrɡən/
n.
The external part of the body on the side of the head, used to detect sound waves and enable hearing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'ēare', related to Latin 'auris' and Greek 'ous' (ear).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of the letter '3' which looks like an ear. Remember: you hear with your ear (hear = h + ear).
📖 Example
The doctor used a small light to look inside my ear and check for infection.
The doctor used a small light to look inside my ear and check for infection.
🔗 Collocations
ear infection – Infection of the ear, often causing pain and swelling.
ear pain – Pain in the ear, commonly due to inflammation or pressure.
ear lobe – The soft, fleshy lower part of the outer ear.
🔄 Synonyms
auditory organ (n.) – Any body part involved in hearing, especially the ear.
pinna (n.) – The visible outer part of the ear, also called auricle.
hearing apparatus (n.) – The complete set of structures involved in hearing, including the ear.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Ear originates from Proto-Germanic *auzō. It appears in idioms like 'play by ear' (improvise) and 'earworm' (catchy tune), showing its cultural relevance to music and hearing.
Meaning 2：musical ear (ear)
ear
/ɪər/
n.
The ability to hear and recognize sounds, tones, or rhythms well, especially in music.
musical ear
➕
/ˈmjuːzɪkəl ɪər/
n.
The natural talent or learned ability to recognize, distinguish, and reproduce musical notes, tones, and rhythms accurately.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My music teacher says I have a good ear for pitch, which helps me sing in tune.
My music teacher says I have a good ear for pitch, which helps me sing in tune.
🔗 Collocations
ear for music – A natural ability to understand and appreciate music.
good ear – The ability to perceive subtle differences in sound or pitch.
perfect ear – The rare ability to identify or reproduce any musical note without reference.
🔄 Synonyms
pitch perception (n.) – The cognitive ability to recognize the frequency of sounds.
tonal sensitivity (n.) – Sensitivity to variations in tone and pitch.
musical sensitivity (n.) – A refined awareness of musical nuances.
🚫 Antonyms
tone deafness (n.) – The inability to distinguish between different musical notes.
🌱 Derivatives
ear-training (n.) – A practice of improving one's ability to identify pitches and intervals.
earworm (n.) – A catchy song or melody that keeps playing in one's mind.
eared (adj.) – Having ears of a specified type (e.g., long-eared).
Wordbook
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