Learning vs. Learnings — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, while Learnings denote specific insights or lessons gained.
Difference Between Learning and Learnings
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Learning, at its essence, is a continuous journey. It refers to the process or experience of acquiring new knowledge, skills, values, or behaviors. Learnings, on the other hand, primarily emphasizes specific instances or takeaways from that journey. Each individual's learning experience can result in multiple learnings, or key insights, that they may share or reflect upon.
Learning is more holistic and can be seen as a life-long endeavor, while Learnings are often the products or results of those endeavors.
It’s like comparing a journey (Learning) with milestones or markers along that journey (Learnings).
Comparison Chart
Nature
A continuous process.
Specific instances or lessons.
Usage
Typically singular.
Often plural.
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Context
Broad, referring to the process.
Narrower, referring to outcomes or insights.
Grammatical Role
Usually a gerund or noun.
Typically a noun, denoting takeaways.
Examples
"I love learning."
"The learnings from the seminar were invaluable."
Compare with Definitions
Learning
Information or skills gained through study or experience.
The learning of ancient civilizations fascinates her.
Learnings
Specific takeaways from an event or situation.
We should discuss the learnings from our last project.
Learning
The cognitive process of assimilating information.
Virtual platforms have transformed learning.
Learnings
Key insights or lessons derived from experiences.
The workshop provided several valuable learnings.
Learning
The act of acquiring knowledge or skills.
The learning curve was steep but rewarding.
Learnings
Reflections or realizations gained through experiences.
Her travels resulted in profound learnings.
Learning
A lifelong journey of understanding.
His love for learning never waned.
Learnings
Knowledge fragments extracted from a larger learning process.
The course had several actionable learnings.
Learning
Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals, and some machines; there is also evidence for some kind of learning in certain plants.
Learnings
Outcomes or results from a learning endeavor.
The seminar had some great learnings on team dynamics.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught
An important learning process
These children experienced difficulties in learning
Learnings
(proscribed) learning
Learning
The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.
Learning
Knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study.
Learning
(Psychology) Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.
Learning
(uncountable) An act in which something is learned.
Learning
(uncountable) Accumulated knowledge.
The department head was also a scholar of great learning.
Learning
(countable) Something that has been learned
Learning
Present participle of learn
I'm learning to ride a unicycle.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.
Learning
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.
Learning
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Learning
Profound scholarly knowledge
Learning
An experience or situation from which one gains insight.
Failure can often be a powerful learning.
Common Curiosities
What does Learning mean in general?
Learning refers to the process or experience of acquiring knowledge, skills, or behaviors.
How is Learnings different from Learning?
Learnings denote specific insights, lessons, or takeaways gained from experiences.
Is Learnings an accepted word in formal writing?
While becoming more common, some purists prefer "lessons learned" over "learnings" in formal contexts.
Which is more specific, Learning or Learnings?
Learnings is more specific, often referring to individual insights or lessons.
Can Learning be used to refer to a single insight?
Yes, sometimes Learning can denote a single instance or insight from an experience.
Is Learning always about academic study?
No, Learning encompasses all avenues where knowledge or skills are acquired, not just academics.
How often is Learnings used in everyday speech?
It's becoming more common, especially in professional or self-improvement contexts.
Can Learning also refer to the knowledge acquired?
Yes, it can refer to both the process and the knowledge or skills gained.
Can I say "The learnings of today will shape tomorrow"?
Yes, it implies the insights gained today will influence future actions or decisions.
Is it correct to say "My learnings from the course"?
Yes, it means the specific insights or lessons you derived from the course.
Is it okay to use Learnings in academic writing?
It's best to gauge the context; some traditionalists may prefer alternatives, but its usage is growing.
Can Learning be self-directed?
Absolutely, Learning can be formal, informal, self-directed, or guided by others.
Why is the word Learnings gaining popularity?
It succinctly captures specific lessons or insights, making it appealing in fast-paced environments.
Can we use Learning in a sentence as "It was a tough learning"?
Yes, it implies the experience or situation provided a challenging insight.
Are Learnings always positive?
No, Learnings can be both positive and negative, depending on the insights derived.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
