verb
listen
To pay attention to sound or to what someone says.
I listen carefully as my grandmother tells her story.
Etymology
Old English hlysnan meant to listen. The modern word preserves deliberate attention to sound rather than merely the physical ability to hear it.
More examples
- We listened for footsteps in the hallway.
- She listens to music while she cooks.
- Please stop interrupting and listen to what I'm saying.
Forms
listen · listens · listened · listening
listener noun — Someone who pays attention to sounds or speech.