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heed
/hiːd/
pay attention to
The captain warned the crew to heed the storm warnings.
The captain advised the crew to pay close attention to the storm warnings.
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
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
rootEnglish Dictionary