Hark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' is a famous Christmas carol that begins with the word, encouraging listeners to pay attention to the joyful message.
• Shakespeare often used 'hark' in his plays, like in 'Hamlet', emphasizing the importance of being attentive in critical moments.

Pop Culture

• In the world of superhero comics, 'hark' sometimes appears in dramatic moments when characters are called to listen to a new threat or revelation.
• Modern adaptations of classic tales often use 'hark' to evoke a sense of old-fashioned charm and urgency.

Music

• Many musical pieces, especially in operas or classical compositions, include 'hark' to grab the audience’s attention.
• The term can also be found in lyrics of various songs, where it serves to emphasize the need to listen closely to the song's message.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'hark' comes from the Old English 'heorcnian', which means 'to listen' or 'to hear'.
• It was first used in the 14th century as a command to pay attention, especially when someone has something important to say.

The word 'hark' originates from the Middle English term 'herken,' which means to listen attentively. The term has roots in the Old Norse word 'herka,' meaning to listen. It was commonly used in English literature and poetry, suggesting an alertness to sounds and calls. Over time, hark became associated with attention and awareness, especially in a context where something noteworthy was about to be conveyed. In various literary works, 'hark!' serves as a call to focus on an important event. The expression has persisted in use, especially within traditional English phrases and songs.

Positioned at #23,571, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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