English Language Lab

English Language Lab

Words: Seeing, Hearing, Speaking

The 3 monkeys

Rachel Boyce's avatar
Rachel Boyce
Aug 12, 2025
∙ Paid

We often talk about what we can or cannot do with our senses – seeing, hearing, and speaking. While there are common ways to describe these abilities, specific words capture the absence of these senses. Let's look at the precise terms we use, often represented by those famous three monkeys!

Think of it this way: These words are specific adjectives used to describe someone who lacks the ability to hear, see, or speak. They are direct and clear ways to communicate about these particular conditions, similar to how the classic "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" monkeys convey a message.

Let's break them down:

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