Hark: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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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