easy
Listen to the rain tapping the window.
What does Listen mean?
Listen means to pay attention to sound or thoughtfully consider what someone says.
Dictionary definition
To give attention in order to hear, consider what someone says, or wait alertly for a sound; informally, a listen is an act of listening.
Example sentences
Listen in a sentence
medium
The group listened to both ideas before deciding.
hard
We listened for the timer, then gave the recording another listen.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice listen in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Listen
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
How is listen different from hear?
Listening is intentional attention, while hearing can happen without trying.
Practice 2
Which sentence means to wait alertly for a sound?
Listen for means to stay alert so you can catch an expected sound.
Practice 3
What does give it a listen mean?
In informal use, a listen is an act of listening.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Listen
Voice settings
Sounds like
lis · un · strongest beat: lis
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordListen.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningListen means to pay attention to sound or thoughtfully consider what someone says.
ExampleExample: Listen to the rain tapping the window.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- lis · un
- Strongest beat
- lis
- Ending
- un
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on lis.
Your turn
Say Listen
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced listen.
Synonyms
Words like Listen
pay attentionA broad substitute when listen means directing attention to sound or speech.
heedA formal substitute when listen means considering or following advice or a warning.
attendA formal substitute for giving careful attention, not for every use of listen.
Antonyms
Opposite words
ignoreA strong contrast when someone does not give attention to speech, advice, or sound.
disregardA formal contrast when someone pays no attention to advice or a warning.
Synonym practice
Want to practice listen synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please listen to the directions," then compare close word choices. Practice listen synonyms.
Word family
Listen word family
Base word
listen
verb
listens
The present-tense form used with he, she, or it.
verb
listened
The past-tense and past-participle form.
noun
listening
The activity or skill of paying attention to sound, the continuing verb form, or a describing form.
noun
listener
A person who listens.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Listen
Hint for students
Listen usually shows purposeful attention. Listen to names the sound or speaker; listen for names the sound you are waiting to notice.
Common mix-up
Hearing a sound is not always the same as listening to it. Also use listen to before a person or thing: say listen to the teacher, not listen the teacher.
Try it in class or at home
Students follow short listen to and listen for directions, then explain why one asks for present attention and the other asks them to wait for a sound.
Teacher prompt
Compare listen to a sound, listen to advice, listen for a signal, and give something a listen. Ask what attention or action each phrase requires.
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Listen and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LISTEN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LISTEN
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with LISTEN
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words