2026

Listen

//ˈlɪs.n̩//

Definitions

verblistens · listening · listened

1
To use one's sense of hearing and auditory cognition in an intentional way; to make deliberate use of one's ears; to pay attention to or wait for a specific sound.
Please listen carefully as I explain.
Similar
heed mind note
Opposite
ignore
2
To accept advice or obey instruction; to agree or assent.
Listen, the only reason I yelled at you was because I was upset, OK?
Similar
mind
Opposite
disregard

nounlistens

1
An instance of listening.
Give the motor a listen and tell me if it sounds off.
Similar
play

Word Origin

From Middle English listenen, listnen, alteration (due to Middle English listen (“to listen, give heed to”)) of Old English hlysnan (“to listen”), from Proto-Germanic *hlusnijaną, *hlusnōną (compare M...

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