WordGarden.iolisten
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɪsən/
US
- /ˈlɪsən/
Meanings
Verb
to pay attention in order to hear sounds or speech
to pay attention to and take seriously what someone says
to listen to music or other audio for enjoyment
Beyond the definition
To listen is more than simply hearing a sound. Hearing can happen by itself, but listening means giving attention to what you hear and trying to understand it. A good friend listens when you are upset, not just staying quiet, but really taking in your words. You might listen to music, listen to a teacher, or listen to the news. You can also listen for something, like a knock at the door, your name in a crowd, or the first note of your favorite song.
Sometimes the word also suggests taking advice seriously: if a doctor gives clear instructions or a parent gives a warning, you should listen. In that way, the word can carry the idea of attention, care, and sometimes even good judgment. The old phrase "lend an ear" means the same thing in a warm, human way.
Listening is more than the physical act of noticing sound; it is the act of giving that sound your attention. While hearing is passive and may happen without any effort, listening is active. It usually means that you focus on a voice, a piece of music, an announcement, or some other sound because you want to understand it, enjoy it, or catch important details.
You might listen to music for pleasure, listen to a teacher during class, listen to a podcast while walking, or listen to a friend who needs support. In each case, the idea is not just that sound reaches your ears, but that your mind is engaged with it. Sometimes the attention is light, as when you listen to the rain. Sometimes it is careful and serious, as when you listen to directions before a trip.
The word is commonly used with different patterns. We usually say listen to someone or something: listen to a story, listen to the radio, listen to your coach. We also say listen for when we are waiting for a particular sound: listen for the bell, listen for thunder, listen for footsteps in the hall. In a more figurative way, people also say things like "listen to your heart" or "listen to reason."
Sometimes listening means more than understanding words. It can imply respect, patience, or a willingness to accept advice. If someone says, "You never listen," they often mean that the other person does not pay proper attention or does not take their words seriously. In conversation, listening well is one of the clearest signs of care.
The word can be used for people, sounds, messages, and even inner feelings. A detective listens for clues. A musician listens for changes in rhythm. A child listens to a bedtime story. Across all of these uses, the core idea stays the same: paying attention through your ears, with the goal of understanding, noticing, or connecting.
Examples
- 1
Music opinion
Please listen to this song and tell me what you think.
- 2
Noisy room
I was trying to listen, but everyone was talking at once.
- 3
Classroom
The children listened carefully while the teacher explained the game.
- 4
Medical advice
You should listen to your doctor and rest for a few days.
- Patternlisten to + person
pay attention to their advice or warning
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Expected sound
We stood by the door and listened for his footsteps.
- Patternlisten for + sound
pay attention because you expect or hope to hear it
- 6
Podcasts
I listen to a lot of podcasts on the train.
- 7
Not paying attention
Sorry, I wasn't listening. Could you say that again?
- 8
Direct talk
Listen, I know you're upset, but we need to talk calmly.
- UsageListen,
used before saying something important or direct
- 9
Group attention
Listen up, everyone: the meeting starts in two minutes.
- Phraselisten up
pay attention now
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- listenverb
Forms
- listening-ing formverb
- listenedpast tenseverb
- listensverb