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Listening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Listening is the active process of paying attention to and understanding sounds, especially speech, to comprehend or respond. It involves focus, interpretation, and engagement with the speaker.

listening

/ˈlɪsənɪŋ/ /ˈlɪs(ə)nɪŋ/

Definition:

Paying attention to sounds or someone speaking to understand or respond.

Synonyms:

Hearing, attending, heeding, eavesdropping

Part of Speech:

Noun, adjective

Antonyms:

Ignoring, disregarding

Common Collocations:

Active listening, listening skills, listening comprehension, listening device

Derivatives:

Listener, listenable

Usage Tips:

Use "listening" as a noun for the act or an adjective describing engagement (e.g., "listening audience").

Common Phrases:

Listening ear, selective listening, deep listening

Etymology:

Derived from Old English *hlysnan* ("to listen"), influenced by *list* ("desire, attention").

Examples:

  • 1. She enjoys listening to music while studying.
  • 2. Good listening helps build strong relationships.
  • 3. The teacher praised his active listening in class.
  • 4. They installed a listening device in the room.

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