listen

/'lisn/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
listen

A young girl listens to her teacher during a lesson.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To pay attention to sound: To make a conscious effort to hear something, often by directing your attention toward a specific source of sound.
    • To heed or follow advice: To consider and take seriously what someone says, often with the intention of acting on it.
Examples
  • Verb:
    • Please listen carefully to the instructions.
    • I like to listen to music while I work.
    • You should listen to your doctor's advice.
Advanced Usage
  • "to listen for": To be alert and wait to hear a specific sound.
    • The guard was told to listen for the signal.
  • "to listen in": To listen to a conversation, especially a private one, without the speakers' knowledge.
    • It is rude to listen in on other people's discussions.
Variants and Related Words
  • Listener (n): A person who listens.
    • She is a good listener and always offers helpful advice.
  • Listening (n/adj): The act of paying attention to sound; designed for hearing.
    • Active listening is an important skill.
Synonyms
  • Hear: To perceive sound with the ear (can be passive, unlike the active "listen").
  • Heed: To pay careful attention to and consider seriously.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Listen up: An informal command to tell people to pay attention and listen.
    • Listen up, everyone! I have an important announcement.
  • Listen out for (British English): Similar to "listen for"; to be attentive in order to hear something.
    • Listen out for your name being called.
Related Idioms
  • Listen to reason: To be persuaded by sensible arguments.
    • I hope he will listen to reason and change his mind.
  • Have a listen: An informal invitation to listen to something.
    • Come and have a listen to this new song.
listen

A young girl listens to her teacher during a lesson.

Verb
  1. pay close attention to; give heed to
    • Heed the advice of the old men
  2. listen and pay attention
    • Listen to your father
    • We must hear the expert before we make a decision
  3. hear with intention
    • Listen to the sound of this cello