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2. Speaking as a teacher, I think I know where this might have started...... Heh.

Sun May 26, 2013, 07:01 AM

May 2013

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Has anyone else noticed that "listen" is often used as a synonym for "obey"? [View all] Donald Ian Rankin May 2013 OP

listenlistenlistenlistenlist enlist Quantess May 2013 #3

Astute observation. I've never thought about it like that but gtar100 May 2013 #4

In that context, I usually associate "listen" with "acknowledge" rucky May 2013 #5

Exactly. bunnies May 2013 #13

"Just don't understand" is often used the same way. (nt) Posteritatis May 2013 #6

Yes, absolutely. But at least that one's slightly more honest. Donald Ian Rankin May 2013 #7

That's one I REALLY hate. NYC Liberal May 2013 #15

I'm going to let you in on a customer service secret that I learned Quantess May 2013 #19

You're not listening, Mom! Pmc1962 May 2013 #9

Exactly. Sometimes you have to be hated for awhile to be a good parent. alphafemale May 2013 #16

"Listen" has more phonetic force than "obey." John1956PA May 2013 #10

An excellent observation. HappyMe May 2013 #11

I hear a lot of people demanding that certain others listen, savebigbird May 2013 #12

Open your ears and shut your mouth Renew Deal May 2013 #14

The "problem" is what language is. Igel May 2013 #17

Agreed. Another is "you don't understand" LittleBlue May 2013 #18