As a Noun: 1. Knowledge about abstract or theoretical things that has been gained by being told about them or by reading and studying. English = learning. 2. Knowledge about people and life that is acquired by your own personal experiences. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To find out about something, especially abstract or theoretical knowledge, by being told about it or by reading and studying about it. English = learn. 2. To find out something about life, in a moral and interpersonal sense, through your experiences. English = learn from your experiences. Idiomatic English = pick up, take in.