Meaning & Definition of word "Listen"

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!