listener
LISS-uh-ner
/ˈlɪsənər/
A person who listens, especially to a radio program or podcast.
Emphasizes the active reception of auditory content, often implying engagement with the broadcast.
The story behind the word. The word 'listener' comes from the Old English verb 'hlysnan,' meaning 'to listen.' It has a long history, evolving from a Germanic root that also gave us words related to sound and hearing. The '-er' suffix simply denotes the person who performs the action, making a 'listener' someone who listens.
Word relationships
- audience: Broader, can include viewers, readers, etc.; 'listener' is specific to audio.
- hearer: More passive; 'listener' implies active attention.
- speaker: The one producing sound, opposite of the one receiving it.
Word family
- listen (verb): To give attention to sound.
- listening (noun): The action of listening.
Collocations
- active listener
- radio listener
- podcast listener
- attentive listener
Idioms & expressions
- eavesdropper (a secret listener)
Example sentences
- "The radio station conducted a survey to better understand the preferences of its loyal listener base." Referring to a radio audience.
- "She was a good listener, always offering thoughtful responses to her friends' problems." Describing someone attentive.
Memory hook
A 'listener' is someone who 'listens' intently. Listens Intently
When not to use
While anyone who hears is a 'hearer,' 'listener' implies a more intentional act of paying attention, especially to recorded or broadcast audio.
Fun facts
- The average person spends a significant portion of their day listening to various forms of audio, from music to podcasts.
Explore more words
audience, telecast, spectator, auditory, content creator, engagement
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