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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

cloth-eared en · ADJ

Pronunciation

  • /ˌklɒθˈɪəd/ (Received-Pronunciation)
  • /ˌklɔθˈɪ(ə)ɹd/ (General-American)
  • (Southern-England) audio

Etymology

From the fact that ears made of cloth (for example, belonging to a stuffed toy) cannot hear.

Meanings

  1. (UK, dated, derogatory, informal) Not hearing clearly.
  2. (UK, dated, derogatory, informal) Failing to pay attention.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
most cloth-eared Degree=Sup lexicographic
more cloth-eared Degree=Cmp lexicographic

Antonyms

attentive

Relateds

cock a deaf 'un · tin ear · cloth-ears

Synonyms

inattentive · hard of hearing · deaf