listen to

/ˈlɪs.ən tuː/
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To pay attention to a person or sound in order to hear it.

Examples

  • She listened to the radio this morning.
  • Are you listening to me?
  • Please listen to the teacher.
  • We stopped to listen to the birds.
  • I listen to music on the bus.

Similar words

pay attention to

Meanings

Pay attention with hearing

hearing
neutral
To deliberately give attention to someone speaking or to a sound.

Examples

  • Please listen to the teacher.
  • I listen to music on the bus.
  • Are you listening to me?
  • She listened to the radio this morning.
  • We stopped to listen to the birds.

Similar words

Etymology

Listen means direct attention through hearing, and to introduces the source heard.

FAQ

What does listen to mean?

Listen to means deliberately pay attention to a sound or speaker.

When is listen to used?

It is followed by what is heard, such as music or a person.

How does listen to differ from hear?

Listen to is an intentional action; hear can happen without trying.

How is listen to used in a sentence?

“I listen to music on the bus” shows the object after to.

Is listen to formal?

No, listen to is an everyday expression.

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