Listened
'lɪsənd
Definitions
To give attention to a sound; to hear with thoughtful attention.
'lɪsənd
To pay attention to a sound or to hear something.
He listened carefully to the instructions.
💡 Simply: It's like when you hear something and you're really paying attention, like when your friend is telling a story or when your favorite song is on. You are 'listening'.
👶 For kids: To use your ears to hear something.
More Examples
The audience listened in silence.
We listened to the birds singing in the morning.
She listened to her friend's problems.
How It's Used
"I listened to the radio while I was driving."
"She listened to her favorite song."
"The students listened attentively to the teacher."
Idioms & expressions
lend an ear
To listen attentively and sympathetically to someone.
"If you have a problem, I'm always happy to lend an ear."
From Middle English *listenen, from Old English *hlysnan (to listen, hear), related to *hlȳs (hearing, listening).
Used in similar contexts throughout recorded history, initially referring to the act of hearing.
Memory tip
Imagine a dog with its ears perked up, listening intently. That's what 'listened' means.
Word Origin
"to hear, give ear to"