What is the definition of listening?

Listening is defined as the act of perceiving sounds through the ears, which aligns with the provided answer. It involves more than just hearing; it requires an active engagement where one interprets and understands the sounds and messages being conveyed. Effective listening also entails focusing on the speaker, processing the information being shared, and potentially responding to it.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of listening. Speaking loudly relates to verbal communication rather than the act of receiving information. Observing visually pertains to sight rather than auditory perception, which is unrelated to listening. Memorizing effectively involves retention of information but does not encompass the active reception and understanding that listening entails. Thus, the definition that best fits is the ability to perceive through auditory means.