wears - Master This Word
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wears Word Meanings
- to carry or have on one's body as clothing
- to endure or last over time
- to use up gradually by constant use
wears Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
wears Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/wɛə/
US
/wɛr/
wears Word Etymology
wear = weorþan (Old English) → to become or endure; Imagine putting on a coat that becomes a part of you over time.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I slip my arms into the sleeves and pull the shirt over my head. The fabric moves and changes as I breathe and walk, shifting against my skin with each step. I adjust the collar, keep the hem even, and decide to wear it today, letting the feel set in as I go. By evening, the shirt shows wear - faint fades and softer edges - proof of a day in it.
Real Context
Wear is a versatile verb with several related meanings. It primarily means to carry or have on one's body as clothing: you wear a coat, shoes, or a hat. It also describes how objects change over time when used frequently, as in wear down, wear out, and wear off. The phrase wear a thing down implies gradual damage from use; wear out means it becomes unusable. Additionally, wear can refer to the gradual loss of effect, such as a smile that wears thin or a memory that wears away. Learners often confuse wear with bear or with wear out vs wear off.
Usage Reminders
- Wear is used for clothing you are wearing now; wear down/out/off are for gradual change; don’t use wear for things you do not physically wear; remember wear can describe both objects and effects; keep 'wear' distinct from 'put on' and 'dress'.
Common Misconceptions
- Wear always means dressing oneself; it does not apply to items you are not wearing.
- Wear is not the same as 'put on' or 'dress' in all contexts.
- Wear out and wear off describe different endings: one is physical, the other is effect-related.
- Confusing wear with bear because of similar sound can lead to incorrect sentences.
- For past actions, remember wear as in wore, not wore down for all forms.
Thinking Differences
Think in English about how wear covers both clothing and gradual change; focus on how native speakers bundle related senses into phrases like wear down or wear out.
Learning Tips
- Learn wear with clothing first; e. g., wear a hat, wear shoes.
- Memorize key phrasal verbs: wear down, wear out, wear off.
- Practice tense: wore, worn, wearing.
- Distinguish wear from put on and dress in context.
- Use authentic examples: everyday outfits, worn items, fading effects.
- Watch collocations: wear a smile, wear a coat, wear out shoes.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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