Meaning & Definition of word "Listen"

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    Listen

    /ˈlɪs.ən/

    verb:

    • 1. To make an effort to hear something.
      • Example: You need to listen carefully to the instructions.
    • 2. To pay attention to sound.
      • Example: She likes to listen to classical music when she studies.
    • 3. To wait for a sound or to be in a state of readiness to hear.
      • Example: They listened for the sound of the train approaching.

    Etymology

    Old English 'hlysnan', meaning 'to hear, to listen'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Listen up!:

    An expression used to get someone's attention.

    Listen to your heart:

    Follow your emotions or instincts.

    Listen carefully:

    Pay close attention to what is being said.

    Related Words

    hearing:

    The faculty of perceiving sounds.

    auditory:

    Relating to the sense of hearing.

    attentive:

    Paying close attention to something.

    Slang Meanings of listen

    Meaning: To pay attention or heed to something important.

    Example Sentence: Yo, listen up! This is important.

    Meaning: Used to signal importance or urgency.

    Example Sentence: Listen, we gotta get out of here now!