listening

Plurallistenings (some meanings)

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of listen. Use this form for something happening now or as the name of the activity.

   She is listening to music in her bedroom.

   We are listening for the doorbell to ring.

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Used to hear better, or to help someone hear.

   Investigators found a hidden listening device in the wall.

   He fitted his grandmother with a small listening aid.

3. 3
   noununcountable

   The skill of understanding what people say when you hear them.

   Like reading, but with your ears instead of your eyes.

   Good listening is just as important as speaking in a conversation.

   Her listening improved a lot after she practiced every day.

4. 4
   nouncountable

   A time when you listen to something or someone.

   A first listening of the album left her wanting more.

   The detective gave the tape a careful listening before deciding.

   Similarhearing, playing, playback

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Paying attention to sounds or to what someone says.

   She offered a listening ear whenever he needed to talk.

   The teacher kept a listening watch over the noisy classroom.

   Similarattentive, receptive, heedful

   Oppositeinattentive, distracted

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   A class activity where you listen to something and answer questions.

   Today's listening was about ordering food at a restaurant.

   Students found the French listening harder than the reading.

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Done carefully, while paying attention to any sounds.

   The hunter froze in a listening stillness, alert to every creak.

   She paused in listening silence before answering the strange noise.

   Similarattentive, watchful, alert

   Note

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