hearer

Everyday

1. A person who hears or listens to something, especially a speech, a story or a sermon. tree →
2. (language) In linguistics, the listener in a conversation, as opposed to the speaker. tree →

In the lessons

In language and grammar lessons, «speaker and hearer» describe both sides of talking: good writing and speech think about what the hearer already knows. In Bible and church language, Christians are told to be «doers of the word, and not hearers only». Phrases: the speaker and the hearer, hearers of the story.

Examples

• The storyteller held all her hearers spellbound. tree →
• A good speaker thinks about what the hearer needs to know. tree →
• The Bible says to be «doers of the word, and not hearers only». tree →
• Every hearer laughed at the joke. tree →
• In a conversation, the hearer and speaker take turns. tree →
• "No need of witnesses," said one of the hearers. tree →

Note

Plural: hearers. Slightly formal or old-fashioned; today people usually say «listener». Not «hearrer». Homophone-like trap: «here» and «hear» are different words; a hearer hears.