lesson
lesson
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "lesson" is /ˈlɛs.ən/.
/ˈlɛs/
/ən/
Word Form Variations
Noun: lesson (singular), lessons (plural)
Verb: (No direct verb form of "lesson" in common use. The verb form associated with teaching is "teach" or "instruct," and with learning is "learn.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A period of instruction or teaching, especially in a school or college, or a fixed period of time for which a student is taught a particular subject.
Synonyms: class, instruction, lecture, tutorial, session, coaching
Antonyms: break, recess, holiday, dismissal
Definition 2: A piece of instruction or advice that is given or learned, often through experience, and serves as a guide for future behavior or understanding.
Synonyms: teaching, moral, precept, message, warning, takeaway
Antonyms: mistake, error, oversight, misinterpretation
Definition 3: A section of a book or musical work, or a passage from the Bible, assigned for study or reading.
Synonyms: passage, excerpt, chapter, reading, movement (for music)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "entirety" or "whole work" as contrasting with a section)
Definition 4: An example or warning to others, especially in a negative sense, intended to discourage similar actions.
Synonyms: deterrent, warning, example, admonition, caution
Antonyms: encouragement, incentive, reward, approval
Examples of Use
Books:
"The first lesson in humility, the old monk always said, was to acknowledge one's own ignorance." (Fictional example from a philosophical novel)
"Chapter two provided a detailed lesson on the principles of quantum mechanics, challenging many students." (From an academic textbook)
"Her difficult childhood taught her a valuable lesson about resilience and perseverance." (From a memoir or biographical work)
Newspapers:
"The government's handling of the crisis serves as a stark lesson in the importance of transparency." ("The Guardian,’’)
"Students in Standard 8 will have an extra lesson in mathematics every Tuesday afternoon." ("Daily Nation,")
"Analysts debate whether the recent market downturn is a temporary blip or a serious lesson for investors." ("The Wall Street Journal,")
Online Publications:
"Five key lessons learned from successful startups that failed big." (An article on "TechCrunch,")
"Online guitar lessons for beginners: A comprehensive guide to getting started." (A guide on "Guitar World Online,")
"The surprising lesson this pandemic taught us about community and connection." (An opinion piece on "Medium.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "This whole experience has been a tough lesson, but I'm stronger for it." (Dialogue from a character in a drama film, e.g., "Good Will Hunting")
Television Series: "Tonight's lesson is about the history of ancient Rome and its profound impact on modern law." (A teacher's introduction in a historical drama or educational show, e.g., "Bill Nye the Science Guy")
Song Lyrics: "Every scar is a lesson learned, every fire has left me burned." (From a contemporary pop or rock song, reflecting on life experiences)
Video Games: "Your defeat is a lesson in tactical errors. Learn from it." (In-game message after losing a strategic battle, e.g., "Civilization VI")
Podcasts: "In this week's episode, we delve into the ethical lessons we can draw from classic philosophical texts." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., "Philosophize This!")
General Public Discourse:
"My driving instructor said I need to schedule another lesson before my test." (A common statement about personal instruction)
"That accident was a real lesson for me about not speeding." (A personal reflection on a negative experience)
"This is a lesson in patience, trying to assemble this furniture!" (A humorous or frustrated comment on a challenging task)
"The kids had a swimming lesson this morning, and they loved it." (A parent talking about their children's activities)
"Let this be a lesson to you: always double-check your work!" (Giving advice or a warning to someone)
10 Famous Quotes Using Lesson
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford (a lesson in persistence and learning from failure)
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – Henry Ford (emphasizing that every mistake should teach a lesson)
“A tough lesson in life that one has to learn is that not everybody wishes you well.” – Dan Rather
“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” – Helen Keller
“A lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained.” – Unknown
“Sometimes you don’t get closure, you just move on. That’s the lesson.” – Unknown
“History is a vast early warning system.” – Norman Cousins (implying that history’s lessons should be heeded)
“Each relationship nurtures a strength or weakness within you.” – Mike Murdock (suggesting each interaction is a lesson)
“You can never learn less; you can only learn more. The reason I know so much is because I have made so many mistakes.” – Buckminster Fuller
“Pain is a great teacher, but nobody wants to attend its class.” – Unknown
Etymology
The word "lesson" comes from the Old French word leçon, which meant "a reading, a chapter, or a portion of the Bible read in church." This Old French word, in turn, originated from the Latin word lectiō, which literally meant "a reading" or "the act of reading."
The first known use of "lesson" in English, with a meaning close to what we use today, appeared around the late 13th century (Middle English period).
Its earliest meaning in English was primarily "a portion of Scripture appointed to be read in a church service." Think of it like a "reading" from the Bible during a sermon.
From this original idea of "a reading" or "a recited portion," the meaning of "lesson" gradually expanded. It came to mean:
A portion of a text to be studied.
A period of formal instruction (like a class).
Something learned or taught from experience, because these experiences also provide "readings" or interpretations of life that guide us.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Lesson
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "lesson":
To teach someone a lesson: To punish or correct someone in a way that makes them learn from their mistake.
To learn one's lesson: To understand and apply the knowledge gained from a past mistake or experience.
Lesson learned: An acknowledgment that a valuable insight has been gained, usually after a difficult experience.
To give a lesson (on/in something): To provide instruction or demonstration of a particular skill or topic.
A hard lesson: A difficult or painful experience from which one learns something important.
Take a lesson from (someone/something): To emulate or learn from the actions or outcomes of another.
Moral of the lesson: The underlying principle or message to be taken from a story, event, or experience.
School of hard knocks: The difficult experiences of life, especially those that teach resilience or practical skills. (Synonymous effect with "hard lesson")
To impart wisdom: To share valuable knowledge or understanding. (Synonym for "teaching a lesson" in a positive sense)
Food for thought: Something that provides material for reflection or consideration. (Can be a "lesson" without being formally taught)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of lesson from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
