EARN

[verb] - to receive (money) as payment for work that you do, or to (cause to) get (something) that you deserve because of your qualities or actionsThis month's pay increase means that I'll be earning $30 000 a year. [T]How much do you earn, if you don't mind me asking? [T]Now that you're earning, how about taking me out to dinner! [I]You can't expect to earn a living (= be paid enough money to live on) from your painting. [T]At 10% interest, £10 000 in the bank will earn (= give) you £1000 a year. [+ two objects]Coffee exports earn (= give) Brazil many millions of pounds a year./Brazil earns many millions of pounds a year from coffee exports. [+ two objects]It's been a tough six months and I feel I've earned a few weeks off. [T]The release of Nelson Mandela earned de Klerk praise from around the world. [+ two objects]See also well-earned.