listened

word · lemma: listen

/ˈɫɪsənd/
LIS-uhnd
/lˈɪsənd/
LIS-uhnd

Definition

Past tense of 'listen'. It means someone paid attention to sounds or to what a person was saying.

Usage & Nuances

'Listen' focuses on active attention, unlike 'hear', which can happen without trying. Common patterns include 'listen to music', 'listen to me', and 'listen carefully'. In the past, use 'listened' with 'to' before an object: 'She listened to the teacher'.

Example Sentences

No one listened when she warned them about the problem.

natural

I listened to the radio this morning.

basic

She listened to her teacher in class.

basic

We listened carefully to the instructions.

basic

Thanks for listening when I needed to talk.

natural

He finally listened to our advice and changed his mind.

natural