listen
/ˈlɪs(ə)n
/verb [no object]
1Give one’s attention to a sound: evidently he was not listening sit and listen to the radio...
- I listen to the sounds of the radiators ticking as the central heating comes on.
- Every few minutes he would stop and listen to what sounds there were in these quiet highland woods.
- It's not highbrow in an elitist way but you have to pay attention and think while listening to it.
1.1Take notice of and act on what someone says; respond to advice or a request: I told her over and over again, but she wouldn’t listen...
- We should listen to expert advice, but to slavishly follow it on every occasion defies logic.
- Despite being aware of the dangers, a small minority of drivers don't listen to the advice.
- So he had no choice but to listen to the advice of his friend and enrolled a course for motormen.
Synonyms
pay attention, take heed, heed, give heed, take notice, take note, mind, observe, watch, follow, notice, mark, bear in mind, give a thought to, take into consideration, take into account, take to heart, hang on, accept, believe;
obey, do as one is told by
1.2 (listen for or listen out for) Make an effort to hear something; be alert and ready to hear something: they listened for sounds from the baby’s room...
- He listens out for the car, hears the door close, sees Daddy walk past the window and then runs to the door to greet him.
- Hook listens for the ring of truth and doesn't hear it.
- Who is this third person who is neither one of the other two, who lies awake while they sleep, and listens for the chimes of country bells he doesn't hear?
1.3 (also North American listen up) [in imperative] Used to urge someone to pay attention to what one is going to say: listen, I’ve had an idea...
- Emily, the class is over here - ok, now that I have your attention, listen up; you'll work in pairs today.
- As someone with an advanced degree in marine biology - I also have a pipe and a tweed jacket, so listen up - it might not be the greatest idea to punch sharks in the nose, regardless of how hot you are.
- But the rest of you, listen up, because I've got compelling arguments with which to convince you, or your friends, if you're already a believer.
noun [in singular]
An act of listening to something: radio plays are definitely worth a listen...
- Nevertheless, there are undoubtedly some hidden gems which make this set worth the listen.
- I wish they'd just put up a transcript, but for those of you with broadband it's well worth a listen.
- On this performance her forthcoming debut album could well be worth a listen.
Phrasal verbs
listen in
Origin
Old English hlysnan 'pay attention to', of Germanic origin.