Learned vs Learnt
Published January 24, 2023. Updated January 24, 2023.
Learned and learnt may sound like different words, but don’t be fooled—both learned and learnt mean the same thing: to gain knowledge or ability (in the past). Both words are the past tense of the verb “to learn.” Learnt is a different spelling predominantly used in British English, while learned is used in American English.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Learned (verb)
To gain knowledge or ability (past tense).
Examples:
The students learned about the Civil War.
I learned a lot from the seminar.
In both examples, learned is used to describe individuals gaining new knowledge in the past.
Learnt (verb)
To gain knowledge or ability (past tense).
Examples:
She learnt manners when she was little.
The students’ test scores show they learnt a lot.
In both examples, learnt is used to describe individuals gaining new knowledge in the past. The difference in spelling does not change the meaning or use of the word.
Main Points
- Both learned and learnt mean the same thing: to gain knowledge or ability (in the past).
- Both words are the past tense of the verb to learn.