listening
/ˈlɪs.ən/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈɪsənɪŋ] /ˈlɪs.ən/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈɪsənɪŋ] /ˈli-sᵊn/ (ame, mw)
listening — verb
- listeningpresent simple I / you / we / they
- listenings3rd person singular
- listeninging-ing form
- listeningedpast simple
1. focusing on a voice, a sound, or music because you want to hear it clearly and f
focusing on a voice, a sound, or music because you want to hear it clearly and follow it.
Jisoo is listening to the weather report before leaving for the airport.
listening + to + broadcast
At the back of the hall, Owen kept listening for his daughter's name.
listening + for + expected sound
The children sat quietly, listening to Charlotte read the final chapter.
Even with the window open, Hari was still listening to his language lesson.
No one was speaking, but Baraka was listening for footsteps outside the tent.
- paying attention
broader; can describe visual or written information, not only sound
- tuning in
more informal; often used for radio, podcasts, or broadcasts
- hearing out
stresses letting a person finish speaking before you react
- ignoring
shows no interest in what is being said or played
- tuning out
informal; stops paying attention even though sound continues
文法句型
listening + to + noun
listening + for + noun
用法筆記
Use 'to' for the person, music, or message being heard, and use 'for' when you are waiting to catch an expected sound. Distinguish it from 'hearing', which can happen without trying.
常見錯誤
listening — noun
1. the activity of giving close attention to spoken words, music, or other sounds.
the activity of giving close attention to spoken words, music, or other sounds.
Good listening helped Defne notice that the child was asking for water.
good listening as a practical skill
In music class, careful listening matters more than singing loudly.
careful listening in a learning setting
The teacher thanked Beatriz for her patient listening during the group discussion.
Without close listening, Christopher missed the change in the train announcement.
- attention
broader; can apply to anything, not only sounds or speech
- attentiveness
more formal; emphasizes a careful, responsive attitude
- inattention
formal; failure to notice what is being said
- distraction
attention is pulled away from the speaker or sound
文法句型
good listening
careful listening
用法筆記
Usually uncountable in this sense. It often refers to a skill shown in class, counseling, music, or any situation where careful attention to another voice matters.