lear

¹

[leer]

noun

Scot. and North England.

1. learning; instruction; lesson.

Lear

²

[leer]

noun

1. Edward, 1812–88, English writer of humorous verse and landscape painter.

2. (italics),  King Lear.

Lear

/ lɪə /

noun

1. Edward. 1812–88, English humorist and painter, noted for his illustrated nonsense poems and limericks

Word History and Origins

Origin of lear¹

1350–1400; late Middle English lere lesson, noun use of lere to teach, Old English lǣran; cognate with Dutch leren, German lehren, Gothic laisjan; akin to lore ¹

Example Sentences

The Scottish actor trained at Dundee Rep Theatre before moving on to perform with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Royal National Theatre and the RSC, where he gained acclaim for playing King Lear.

From BBC

Earlier this year, Norman Lear’s comedy “Clean Slate” depicted the Black church as a support system in the Alabama community where a father-daughter duo played by George Wallace and Laverne Cox live.

From Salon

Paley had the foresight to grant Norman Lear the creative freedom to critique America’s race and class divisions through his comedies, beginning with “All in the Family.”

From Salon

He says the evolution of his L.A. existence can be traced back to two people — Norman Lear and George Clooney — and two unsuccessful TV pilots.

From Los Angeles Times

One activist told SFGate they faced Lear employees while protesting Humboldt Redwood Co.’s operations.

From Los Angeles Times