listen

¹lis·ten

verb \ˈli-s^ən\

lis·tenedlis·ten·ing\ˈlis-niŋ, ˈli-s^ən-iŋ\

Definition of LISTEN

transitive verb

archaic

: to give ear to : hear

intransitive 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

Examples of LISTEN

1. I listened as hard as I could, but I couldn't hear a word of what he said over all that noise.
2. She listened with interest as he told her about his travels.
3. She tried to warn him of the dangers, but he wouldn't listen.

Origin of LISTEN

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LISTEN

Synonyms: attend, hark, harken, hear, hearken, heed, mind, prick up one's ears

Antonyms: ignore, tune out

Near Antonyms: discount, disregard

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Rhymes with LISTEN

christen, glisten, Nisan