heed

/hiːd/
verbIntermediate pay attention to
general

To pay attention to advice, warnings, or information.

She didn’t heed her doctor’s advice and ended up in the hospital.

She ignored her doctor’s advice and ended up in the hospital.

It’s important to heed the safety instructions before using the equipment.

It’s important to pay attention to the safety instructions before using the equipment.

💡

Often used with negative constructions to indicate ignoring advice.

Collocations

heed advicepay attention to adviceheed warningstake warnings seriouslyheed a callrespond to a request or demand

Related Phrases

take heedphrase
to be cautious or attentive

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'heed' in formal or serious contexts, such as warnings or important instructions. In casual speech, 'listen to' or 'pay attention to' are more common.

Gold Rule

Negative Constructions

'Heed' is often used with 'not' to indicate ignoring advice or warnings, e.g., 'He didn’t heed the warning.'

📖Word Origin

From Middle English heeden, from Old English hēdan, meaning 'to heed, observe, obey.'

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or serious contexts, especially when referring to warnings or important instructions.

Word Breakdown

heed
to pay attention
root
English Dictionary