Listen — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈli-sᵊn/ lis·ten

Meaning & Definition of Listen

Listen (verb)

  1. to pay attention to sound
  2. to hear something with thoughtful attention, give consideration
  3. to be alert to catch an expected sound

Listen (noun)

  1. an act of listening

Listen (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to pay attention especially through the act of hearing

    "would you listen to what I have to say?"

    similar: attend, hark, harken, hear, hearken, heed, mind, prick up one's ears
    opposite: ignore, tune out
    near: discount, disregard

Related Entry: Listen (to) (verb)

Listen (to) is a different word from Listen. The synonyms below are for listen (to), not for listen.

  1. to take notice of and be guided by

    "you'd better listen to my advice!"

    similar: follow, heed, mind, note, observe, regard, watch
    related: consider, contemplate, mull, ponder, weigh, comply (with), conform (to), keep, obey, respect, attend (to), hark (to), hear, hearken (to), mark, notice, see
    opposite: disregard, ignore, tune out
    near: brush (aside or off), discount, dismiss, gloss (over), gloze (over), neglect, pass over, pooh-pooh, scorn, shrug off, defy, flout, slight, snub

Related Entry: Listen in (on) (verb)

Listen in (on) is a different word from Listen. The synonyms below are for listen in (on), not for listen.

  1. to listen to (another in private conversation)

    "it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations"

    similar: eavesdrop (on), overhear
    related: bug, tap, wiretap, monitor, snoop, spy, surveil, attend, hear, hearken, heed, mind

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Listen

The most common words with a similar meaning to Listen:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Listen

Words with the opposite meaning of Listen:

ignore, tune out

Near Antonyms of Listen

discount, disregard

Word Forms of Listen

Inflections: listened, listening

Origin & Etymology of Listen

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

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Listen

Words & Phrases Containing Listen

listen in, listen for, listen out for, listen up, listen with only half an ear

Frequently Asked Questions about Listen

What does "Listen" mean?

"Listen" means to pay attention to sound. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to pay attention to sound.

What is another word for "Listen"?

Other words for "Listen" include attend, hark, harken, hear, hearken, heed, mind and prick up one's ears. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Listen" you intend.

What is the opposite of "Listen"?

Antonyms of "Listen" include ignore and tune out. Near antonyms include discount and disregard.

How do you use "Listen" in a sentence?

Examples of "Listen" in a sentence: "would you listen to what I have to say?".

Is "Listen" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Listen" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Listen" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Listen" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Listen"?

"Listen" is pronounced /ˈli-sᵊn/ and divided into syllables as lis·ten.

What is the origin of the word "Listen"?

"Listen" comes from Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud. First known use: before 12th centuryt.