listen up

Hear me now

Listen up is an imperative calling for attention, typically before instructions or important information.

It carries a note of authority or urgency—a drill sergeant's Listen up, people! or a parent's Listen up, I'm only going to say this once.

More commanding than simply "listen."

command

heed

Give careful attention

obeyFollow commands given
pay attentionConcentrate on something
complyFollow rules or requests

follow · respond · order · directive · demand · instruction · warning · summons · call to action · alert

attention

focus

Concentrated attention point

concentrateReduced, potent form
tune inAccess a broadcast
engageActively participate or connect

absorb · notice · awareness · mindfulness · attentiveness · receptivity · earshot · heed · alertness · vigilance

announcement

broadcast

Transmitted media signal

proclamationFormal public announcement
bulletinBrief public announcement
noticeBecome aware of

newsflash · briefing · update · heads up · advisory · notification · statement · dispatch · communique · report

Categories

attention-gettersalert, hey, look, psst, yo
adviceadvice, advise, tips, counsel, guidance
commandsgo, stop, wait, come, run
interjectionsah, hey, aha, sheesh, oh
warningswarning, alert, caution, danger, warning sign
alertnessalert, alertness, attentive, vigilance, vigilant

Opposites

attention command

listen uptune out

Deliberately stop attending

never mind · as you were · disregard · carry on · zone out

volume/audibility

listen upwhisper

Speech without full voice

hush · quiet down · shh · keep it down · murmur

speaker-audience dynamic

listen upshut up

Demand for silence

be quiet · your turn · go ahead · hold your tongue · say nothing

Family

listen, listening, listener, listens, listened, listeners

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G