Synonyms for

Listening

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

Definition

The act of giving attention to sound or someone speaking.

Synonyms & similar words

heed takeheed mind listen hear hearing hearing attentiveness noticing observing eavesdropping monitoring watching concentrating perceiving discerning detecting catching getting understanding learning absorbing

Synonyms by register

Formal

attending heeding observing perceiving

Informal

tuning in paying attention checking out keeping an ear out

Literary

hearkening attending

Antonyms

ignoring disregarding unheeding inattentive oblivious unresponsive

Common collocations

  • listening carefully
  • listening intently
  • listening to music
  • listening to someone
  • listening skills
  • active listening
  • listening comprehension
  • listening post

Word family

noun listener
verb listen
adjective listening
adverb listeningly

Usage note

While 'listening' implies paying attention to sound, it can also mean giving heed or attention to advice or a request. It is often contrasted with merely hearing, which is the passive reception of sound.

Example sentences

  1. I am listening to music on my headphones.
  2. My teacher is listening to my presentation.
  3. My mom is listening to me talk about my day at school.
  4. The dog is listening to the sound of the ball bouncing.
  5. I am listening for my name to be called.

Quotes

  • Listening is the beginning of understanding. - Wisdom Proverb
  • The art of conversation lies in listening. - Malcolm Forbes
  • The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said. - Peter Drucker

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