earn
To get money for doing work.
To receive payment in exchange for doing a job or providing a service.
To get respect or trust because of what you do.
To gain respect, trust, or approval as a result of one's actions or qualities.
To get something because you worked or tried for it.
To receive something because of your actions, achievements, or qualities.
- Base: earn
- 3rd Person Singular: earns
- Present Participle: earning
- Past: earned
earn a living
1Make money to live on
To make enough money to pay for your basic needs by working.
- She earns a living as a freelance writer.
- Many people struggle to earn a living in big cities.
earn brownie points
1Gain favor by pleasing someone
To get approval from someone by doing things they like, often for your own benefit.
- He was trying to earn brownie points with his boss by working late.
- She earned brownie points with her teacher by helping clean the classroom.
earn while you learn
1Get paid during training or study
To make money while also studying or training for a job.
- The apprenticeship program lets you earn while you learn.
- Many students take part-time jobs so they can earn while they learn.
earn your keep
1Work enough to deserve support
To work enough or be useful enough so that people want to keep supporting you.
- If you want to stay here, you need to earn your keep.
- The dog earns its keep by guarding the farm.