Hear/hɪr/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Immediate Awareness Hear usually implies the sound is caught suddenly and without effort. I could hear the clock ticking as I read. Pro Tip 2/3Natural Ability Hear refers to the natural capacity to perceive sounds rather than the action of listening. Newborn babies can hear but don't understand words. Pro Tip 3/3No Receiver Mentioned 'Hear' doesn't always mention who the sound is going to. Thunder was heard throughout the town.