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listen up. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
listen up, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
listen up in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
listen up you have here. The definition of the word
listen up will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
listen up, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
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This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “(1) Who started this & when? Ancient? Modern? (2) What is "up" here? Attention? What is the internal logic (or lack thereof) of the phrase?”
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Pronunciation
Verb
listen up (third-person singular simple present listens up, present participle listening up, simple past and past participle listened up)
- (idiomatic, informal) To listen closely; to pay attention.
- I'm only gonna say this once, so you really need to listen up.
1933, Eddie Dooley, Under the Goal Posts:His sharp eyes scanned the faces of his charges. "Listen up!" he barked.
Usage notes
This verb is often used in the imperative, as a sentence by itself.
Translations