Synonyms for

Listen

Verb / ˈlɪsʌn / Another word for listen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to give attention with the ear; to pay attention to sounds or spoken words

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • listen carefully
  • listen closely
  • listen to me
  • listen to the music
  • listen to advice
  • listen to reason
  • listen in

Word family

verb listen
adjective listening

Usage note

While 'hear' and 'listen' are often used interchangeably, 'listen' implies an active effort to perceive sound, whereas 'hear' can be passive. 'Listen' is often followed by 'to'.

Example sentences

  1. I like to listen to the birds chirping outside.
  2. My teacher told us to listen carefully to the instructions.
  3. I listen to my mom when she tells me to clean my room.
  4. We can listen to the radio in the car.
  5. I have to listen to my coach during practice.

Quotes

  • Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
  • We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.
  • Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.

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