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The word "Lear" primarily refers to a specific character and historical figure in literature. Let's break it down for a new English learner:

Definition:

1. Lear (noun): The name of a tragic hero in William Shakespeare's play "King Lear." He is an aging king who is betrayed and mistreated by two of his deceitful daughters, Goneril and Regan. The story explores themes of power, family, and madness.

Usage:

• When talking about literature, you can say: "King Lear is a powerful play about a father's tragic mistakes."
• In discussions about literary characters, you might say: "Lear's journey shows the consequences of pride and poor judgment."

Example:

• "In 'King Lear,' the king learns too late that his daughters do not truly love him."

Advanced Usage:

• The term "Lear" can be used in academic discussions about Shakespeare's works, themes of betrayal, and character analyses. For example: "Lear's descent into madness is a central theme in the play."

Word Variants:

• Lear's (possessive form): Referring to something related to King Lear, e.g., "Lear's tragic flaw."

Different Meaning:

• "Lear" does not have other meanings outside of this literary context. However, it can refer to the character in different adaptations (movies, plays, etc.), but the essence remains the same.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "Lear" as it is a proper noun. However, when discussing similar themes, you might refer to other tragic characters like Oedipus from Greek tragedy.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "Lear." However, phrases that discuss betrayal or family conflict might be relevant when analyzing the themes in "King Lear."

Summary:

In summary, "Lear" is a significant literary character representing the complexities of human relationships and the tragic consequences of betrayal.

Academic

Noun

1. the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy who was betrayed and mistreated by two of his scheming daughters
2. British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

Synonyms

• Lear
• King Lear
• Edward Lear