Definition of Listening
According to the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary defines listening as:
“The action of paying attention to sound, or the act of hearing with thoughtful attention.”
- This means listening is not just the physical act of hearing but also involves understanding and interpreting the sounds and words.
- In communication, it implies focusing on the speaker’s message, tone, and meaning rather than merely hearing words.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary
The Cambridge Dictionary defines listening as:
“The act of giving attention to someone or something in order to hear them.”
- This definition emphasizes the concentration and intentional effort required in listening.
- It suggests that effective listening requires mental engagement, where the listener not only hears the words but also tries to grasp the speaker’s ideas and emotions.