Main Entry: ¹lis·ten

Pronunciation: \ˈli-s^ən\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): lis·tened; lis·ten·ing \ˈlis-niŋ, ˈli-s^ən-iŋ\

Etymology: Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb archaic : to give ear to : hearintransitive verb 1 : to pay attention to sound <listen to music>
2 : to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration <listen to a plea>
3 : to be alert to catch an expected sound <listen for his step>

— lis·ten·er \ˈlis-nər, ˈli-s^ən-ər\ noun