Words / A2

DEF/def/

Deaf means unable to hear, or unable to hear well: deaf in one ear, the deaf (some communities prefer Deaf), deaf to advice (figurative: refusing to listen). Hard of hearing is a gentler phrase for partial loss. Death is dying — extra th. Speak clearly and face the person when you can. Do not shout as a first habit; ask what helps.

Meaning

Unable to hear, or unable to hear well.

Examples

• “The teacher faced the class so the deaf student could lip-read.”
• “The film had subtitles for deaf viewers.”
• “He has been deaf in his left ear since childhood.”

Good to know

deaf / hard of hearing. Mix-up: death. Figurative: deaf to advice (will not listen).

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