passive listening

[ˈpæsɪv ˈlɪsənɪŋ]
noun
escuta passiva
1. A form of listening in which the listener receives information without actively engaging, responding, or providing feedback to the speaker
Passive listening during the lecture meant she missed important details because she wasn't taking notes or asking questions.
A escuta passiva durante a palestra significou que ela perdeu detalhes importantes porque não estava anotando ou fazendo perguntas.
2. The act of hearing sounds without conscious attention or interpretation of their meaning
He was engaged in passive listening while scrolling through his phone during the meeting.
Ele estava envolvido em escuta passiva enquanto rolava o telefone durante a reunião.
3. A listening technique characterized by minimal verbal or non-verbal interaction with the speaker
Passive listening often leads to misunderstandings because the listener doesn't clarify or confirm what was said.
A escuta passiva frequentemente leva a mal-entendidos porque o ouvinte não esclarece ou confirma o que foi dito.
In Brazilian corporate culture and educational contexts, passive listening is frequently critiqued as ineffective communication practice. American business training emphasizes active listening as a superior skill, and 'passive listening' is often used negatively to describe poor listening habits. The term is increasingly common in management training, psychology, and interpersonal communication courses in both cultures.
NYC Slang
just hearing it but not really listening, zoning out
Synonyms / Sinônimos
inactive listeningsuperficial listeninghearingbackground listeningnon-engaged listening
Antonyms / Antônimos
active listeningengaged listeningdeep listeningattentive listening

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
escuta passiva
Standard term used in educational and professional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
escuta passiva
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
escuta passiva
Commonly used in business and corporate communication training
Portugal
audição passiva
Alternative form preferred in European Portuguese; less common than Brazilian usage

Related Words

active listeningempathetic listeninglistening skillscommunicationfeedbackattentioncomprehension

Related Idioms & Phrases

in one ear and out the other
going in one ear
not tuning in
ear and a half
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