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n. 1. Something to be learned: lessons from observing nature. 2. a. A period of instruction; a class. b. An assignment or exercise in which something is to be learned. c. The act or an instance of instructing; teaching. 3. a. An experience, example, or observation that imparts new knowledge or understanding: The conversation was a lesson in tact. b. The knowledge or wisdom so acquired. Missing the opening act taught me a lesson about being late. 4. often Lesson A reading from the Bible or other sacred text as part of a religious service. tr.v. les·soned, les·son·ing, les·sons Archaic 1. To teach a lesson to; instruct. 2. To rebuke or reprimand. [Middle English lessoun, from Old French leson, from Latin lēctiō, lēctiōn-, a reading, from lēctus, past participle of legere, to read; see leg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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