English UsageComparison guide
Learned vs. Learnt
For the past tense and past participle of “learn,” Cambridge gives “learned” generally and “learnt” as an additional UK form; “learned” also has a separate adjective pronounced in two syllables.
For the verb, “learned” is standard broadly and “learnt” is also standard in UK English; the adjective “learned” meaning scholarly is a separate use.
Key details
Confusion Familyverb-form-and-sense
Rule Familyinflectional-variant
Termslearned, learnt
Variant ScopeCambridge lists learned or UK also learnt for the verb and separately records learned as an adjective meaning knowledgeable.
Further guidance
Adjective Boundary
The adjective “learned” meaning scholarly is not interchangeable with “learnt” and has its own pronunciation.
Verb Boundary
Use either documented verb form according to regional/style preference; “learnt” is especially associated with UK English.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Learn — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Verb forms learned/learnt and boundary with learned adjective