Listen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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listen
[ˈlɪs(ə)n ]
Definitions
pay attention
To give one's attention to a sound. To hear something with thoughtful attention. To take notice of and act on what someone says.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Listen carefully to the instructions.
- I listened intently to her story.
- You should listen to your parents.
music
The act of paying attention to sound, especially music. An instance of listening.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| listen |
Used in everyday language to describe paying attention to sounds or someone speaking. This entry is a repetition, so it is best covered by the first 'listen' description. |
| hearing |
Can refer to the act of perceiving sound, a legal proceeding, or in a formal context, getting a chance to be heard.
|
| audition |
Primarily used in performing arts to describe a tryout for a role, usually in theater, film, or music.
|
| earful |
Colloquial and often negative; describes receiving a lengthy reprimand, scolding or a lot of information.
|
Examples of usage
- She has a great love for listening to classical music.
- I had a pleasant listen to the new album.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Active listening, a communication technique, requires focus, empathy, and feedback and is essential for effective conversation.
- Research shows that people who practice listening skills tend to have stronger relationships and better problem-solving abilities.
- Listening improves memory retention and helps in information processing, making it vital for learning.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, listening is seen as a sign of respect and understanding during conversations.
- Indigenous traditions often emphasize the art of listening to nature and elders as a means of gaining knowledge.
- Certain religions advocate for the importance of listening as a way to connect with the divine and understand teachings.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'I Will Always Love You' often highlight themes of listening and emotional connection.
- Popular films often portray moments where listening leads to resolution and understanding between characters.
- Quotes about listening, like those from famous leaders and thinkers, emphasize its power in communication.
Technology
- Voice-activated assistants rely heavily on advanced listening capabilities to understand and respond to user commands.
- Modern communication tools have incorporated features enhancing how we can listen to each other, like video calls and instant messaging.
- Recent advancements in artificial intelligence are improving how machines listen and interact with human speech.
Origin of 'listen'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English 'hlysnan', which means 'to hear' or 'to listen'.
- In Middle English, 'listnen' was used in literature to mean paying attention.
- The root can also be connected to similar terms in other Germanic languages, indicating its long history.
The word 'listen' originated from the Old English word 'hlysnan', meaning 'to pay attention, listen'. The word has evolved over time to its current form. Listening has always been an essential part of human communication and understanding, playing a crucial role in relationships and learning.
See also: enlist, enlisting, glisten, listable, listed, listers, listing, listless, sublist.