English Lexicon

Listening

/ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The action of actively paying attention to sounds or spoken words.

    "Listening to music can be a great way to relax after a long day."
  2. 2

    A skill or activity that involves understanding and interpreting spoken language.

    "Effective listening is crucial in communication to avoid misunderstandings."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'listening' originates from the Old English 'hlysnan', which means 'to hear' or 'to listen'. It evolved through Middle English, retaining its core meaning related to the act of perceiving sound, particularly with attention.

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