Words / C1

HEED/hiːd/

To heed is to take careful notice of a warning or advice (formal): heed a warning, pay heed to. Listen is everyday and can be empty; follow is do what it says. Heedless is the adjective of not caring. Do not heed a biscuit.

Meaning

To pay careful attention to advice or a warning (formal).

Examples

• “Had they heeded the first audit, the fine would have been smaller.”
• “Had they heeded the first audit, the fine would have been a letter, not a ban.”
• “Pay heed to + advice is the noun pattern; everyday: take notice of.”

Good to know

Take notice of (formal). Noun: pay heed to. Everyday: listen / take notice. Opposite adj.: heedless. Not food.

Near in meaning

notice

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