Meaning

(intransitive except in archaic usage) 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..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive except in archaic usage) 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.
2. (intransitive) To accept advice or obey instruction; to agree or assent.
3. An instance of listening.

Example Sentences

Please listen carefully as I explain.

I could hear you talking upstairs, but I didn’t really listen to your conversation.

(transitive, archaic) Listen the watchman’s cry upon the wall.

[with to] I like to listen to music.

[with for] You should listen for the starting gun.

It was April 22, 1831, and a young man was walking down Whitehall in the direction of Parliament Street.[…]. He halted opposite the Privy Gardens, and, with his face turned skywards, listened until the sound of the Tower guns smote again on the ear and dispelled his doubts.

He reined Wrangle to a walk, halted now and then to listen, and then proceeded cautiously with shifting and alert gaze.

He read the letter aloud. Sophia listened with the studied air of one for whom, even in these days, a title possessed some surreptitious allurement.

Word Forms

• listens
• listening
• listened
• lisen
• lis'en
• lissen

Synonyms for listen

Antonyms for listen

Related Words

When Should You Use Listen?

Use listen when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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