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View synonyms for

listen

[ lis-uhn ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
  2. to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to ):

    Children don't always listen to their parents.

  3. to wait attentively for a sound (usually followed by for ):

    to listen for sounds of their return.

  4. 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)

  1. Archaic. to give ear to; hear.

verb phrase

    1. to listen to a radio or television broadcast:

      Listen in tomorrow for the names of the lottery winners.

    2. to overhear a conversation or communication, especially by telephone; eavesdrop:

      Someone was listening in to his private calls.

listen

/ ˈɪə /

verb

  1. to concentrate on hearing something
  2. to take heed; pay attention

    I told you many times but you wouldn't listen

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • t· noun
  • ·t verb
  • ܲ·t·Բ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of listen1

First recorded before 950; Middle English lis(t)nen, Old English hlysnan; cognate with Middle High German üԱ, Swedish lyssna; akin to list 5
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Word History and Origins

Origin of listen1

Old English hlysnan; related to Old High German ūٰŧ
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Synonym Study

See hear.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

James asked how I was feeling and actually listened to the answer.

From

“He listened, really listened. He was asking, ‘ did you eat today?

From

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said he has "listened carefully" to concerns over current structures for investigating Troubles killings and he remained committed to "fundamental reform".

From

I found particular inspiration in the Synod on Synodality, his bold invitation for the global church to embrace deeper listening, shared discernment and collective journeying.

From

I’m sitting there listening — that’s the reason the intro’s so long, because I was just waiting — and finally I start singing, “You’re rock candy, baby — hard, sweet and sticky.”

From

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