Listen
ˈlɪsən
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give attention to a sound or to hear something with attention.
ˈlɪsən
To pay attention to a sound or to hear something.
I like to listen to the birds singing in the morning.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a concert and you're *really* paying attention to the band playing. That's like listening! It means you're hearing the sound and giving it your focus.
👶 For kids: To hear something with your ears and pay attention.
More Examples
Please listen to me when I'm talking.
She listened intently to his story.
How It's Used
"Listen to the music."
"Students must listen carefully to the teacher's instructions."
"The judge listened to the defense's argument."
To pay attention to and follow the advice or instructions of someone or something.
ˈlɪsən
To heed or give attention to advice or a warning.
If you'd listened to my advice, you wouldn't be in this mess.
💡 Simply: It's like when your mom tells you not to touch the hot stove. If you *listen*, you're paying attention to what she says and not touching it.
👶 For kids: To do what someone tells you to do, because you heard them.
More Examples
The team failed because they didn't listen to the coach.
She always listens to her conscience.
How It's Used
"Children should listen to their parents."
"He didn't listen to his friends' advice."
Synonyms
Attend
Concentrate
Focus
Hear
Adhere
Comply
Consider
Follow
Heed
Idioms & expressions
listen up
An informal command to pay attention.
"Alright, listen up everyone! We're going to start the meeting."
From Middle English listenen, lystnen, from Old English hlysnan ('to listen, hear, obey'), from Proto-Germanic *hlusjaną ('to hear'). Related to *hlūzaz ('hearing').
The word 'listen' has been used for centuries, evolving from Old English to reflect different nuances of hearing and attention.
Memory tip
Picture a pair of ears actively focusing on sounds.