- earn
- earn [ ɜrn ] verb ***1. ) intransitive or transitive to receive money for work that you do:She doesn't earn much money, but she enjoys the work.Most people here earn about $60,000 a year.His illness has affected his ability to earn.a ) transitive to make a profit from business or from money that you have in the bank:The company earned profits of $22 million in the last year.Interest earned in this country is subject to tax.2. ) transitive to get something as a result of your efforts or your behavior:His fielding has earned him a place in the starting lineup.We had a fantastic lunch, but we'd earned it.earn respect/praise: Your employees' respect has to be earned.earn your keep1. ) to pay for the things that you need by earning money or by working for the people you live with2. ) if something earns its keep, it is useful or produces an incomeearn your livingto earn enough money to pay for everything you need:Everyone should have the means to earn their own living.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.