hear out
Definition
Verb: - To listen to someone attentively and completely, without interrupting, until they have finished speaking. It implies giving a full and fair hearing to all that a person has to say.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used when someone is being asked or encouraged to listen patiently to an entire explanation, argument, or story before responding or making a judgment. It is often used in contexts of advice, conflict resolution, or when someone feels their point is not being fully considered.
Examples
- Verb:
- Please, just hear me out before you get angry.
- The manager promised to hear out the employee's concerns.
- It's only fair to hear out both sides of the argument.
Advanced Usage
- "to hear someone out": The object (the person being listened to) is placed between "hear" and "out."
- I know you disagree, but you should hear him out.
- The phrase often carries a connotation that the speaker believes the listener might be initially unwilling to listen or might interrupt.
Variants and Related Words
- Listen (to): A more general synonym for paying attention to sound or speech, but without the specific connotation of listening to the of something.
- Give someone a hearing: A more formal expression with a similar meaning.
Synonyms
- Listen to the end
- Give a patient hearing
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Hear from: To receive news or a message from someone.
- I haven't heard from my brother in weeks.
- Hear of: To know about the existence of someone or something.
- Have you ever heard of this author?
Related Idioms
- Lend an ear: To listen sympathetically or attentively.
- She's always willing to lend an ear when I have a problem.
- Give someone the time of day: To pay attention to someone (often used in the negative).
- He was so rude, he wouldn't even give me the time of day.
Verb
-
listen to every detail and give a full hearing to
