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. 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

/ ˈlɪsən /

verb

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

   I told you many times but you wouldn't listen

Derived Forms

• ˈlistener, noun

Other Words From

• listen·er noun
• re·listen verb
• un·listen·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of listen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of listen¹

Old English hlysnan; related to Old High German lūstrēn

Synonym Study

See hear.

Example Sentences

Even as he lay gravely ill in hospital in recent days, Ken Reid was listening to the news on the radio.

From BBC

But if you listen to the score, right from the opening moments composer Umberto Smerilli makes a bold declaration about what kind of movie it is: nervy, tempestuous, winking and just a little bit melodramatic.

From Los Angeles Times

He confesses humbly to being a little skeptical, makes a big show of wanting Geller to do well, invites him to return and try again, and as Geller struggles, Carson listens, waits patiently, acts baffled.

From New York Times

I could listen to Jackson croon “Song on the Sand” and “Look Over There” on an eternal loop.

From Los Angeles Times

The more you listen, the deeper the sound gets inside you.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept
• admit
• attend
• get
• observe
• take notice
• tune in