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listen
[ lis-uhn ]
/ ˈlɪs ən /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to): Children don't always listen to their parents.
to wait attentively for a sound (usually followed by for): to listen for sounds of their return.
Informal. to convey a particular impression to the hearer; sound: The new recording doesn't listen as well as the old one.
verb (used with object)
Archaic. to give ear to; hear.
Verb Phrases
listen in,
- to listen to a radio or television broadcast: Listen in tomorrow for the names of the lottery winners.
- to overhear a conversation or communication, especially by telephone; eavesdrop: Someone was listening in to his private calls.
VIDEO FOR LISTEN
What Is The Difference Between The Words "Hear" And "Listen"?
See, everybody says they want to be heard. But, in actuality, they want to be listened to.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of listen
before 950; Middle English lis(t)nen, Old English hlysnan; cognate with Middle High German lüsenen, Swedish lyssna; akin to list5
synonym study for listen
1. See hear.
OTHER WORDS FROM listen
lis·ten·er, nounre·lis·ten, verbun·lis·ten·ing, adjectiveWords nearby listen
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use listen in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for listen
listen
/ (ˈlɪsən) /
verb (intr)
to concentrate on hearing something
to take heed; pay attentionI told you many times but you wouldn't listen
Derived forms of listen
listener, nounWord Origin for listen
Old English hlysnan; related to Old High German lūstrēn
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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