Listening

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈlɪs.nɪŋ/, /ˈlɪs.É™n.ɪŋ/

Full definition of listening

Adjective

1. Of something or someone that listens.Any listening person can tell she's lying.
2. Of something that is used in order to hear or to improve the ability to hear.He could hear better when he used his listening device.
3. Of an action that is performed with caution and attention to sounds.
• Grey Riders|5The safest cover lay close under the wall of the cañon, and here through the dense thickets Venters made his slow, listening advance toward the oval.

Noun

1. Action of the verb listening
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 10, It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.
2. You can learn a lot from grandparents by listening.
3. Skill or ability of perceiving spoken language.
   You can improve your listening well by watching English-language films.

Verb

1. Present participle of listen

Derived terms

• listening post
• listening station

Anagrams

• enlisting
• tinseling