listen verb

ADV. attentively, carefully, closely, hard, intently Now, listen very carefully to what she says. | half Lucy was only half listening to their conversation. | patiently, politely, sympathetically We listened politely to his stories. | avidly, eagerly, with interest The guests were listening with great interest. | gravely, impassively Pym listened impassively until the woman had finished. | in silence, quietly They listened to the announcement in silence. | anxiously | in awe

VERB + LISTEN (not) want to, will/would (not) Nobody will listen to me! I tried to warn her, but she wouldn't listen. | be prepared to, be willing to | refuse to He refused to listen to her explanation.

PREP. for We listened anxiously for the sound of footsteps. | to listening to the radio

PHRASES listen with half an ear I listened with half an ear to the conversation at the next table.