1 A2 neutral
To have knowledge that someone or something exists, usually through word of mouth or news.
"'Have you heard of a band called The Midnight?' 'Yes, I've heard of them but never listened to their music.'"
inseparable
hear of
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To become aware of someone or something through news or word of mouth; to have knowledge that something or someone exists.
In plain English
To know that someone or something exists, usually because someone told you.
What does "hear of" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(fixed phrase: 'not hear of it') To firmly refuse to allow or accept something.
"When I offered to pay for dinner, my host wouldn't hear of it."
inseparable
Usage tip
Commonly used in questions and negative statements: 'Have you heard of him?' / 'I've never heard of it.' Also used in the fixed phrase 'not hear of it,' meaning to refuse to allow something. This second use ('I won't hear of it') is a fixed expression signalling refusal.
Words that pair with "hear of"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
never have you someone before it
How to conjugate "hear of"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hear of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hears of
he/she/it
Past simple
heard of
yesterday
Past participle
heard of
have + pp
-ing form
hearing of
continuous
Hear "hear of" in the wild
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