Harking - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

listening closely

To hark is to listen attentively or to pay close attention to something. The term is often used in a literary context to denote focusing one's ear on sounds or speech. Harking back refers to revisiting or recalling a previous time, event, or situation. This term illustrates the action of focusing on past occurrences or memories, emphasizing a connection to history. It is frequently used in expressions such as ‘hark back to.’

Synonyms

attend, heed, listen, remember.

Examples of usage

Hark back to the old days.
He was harking to the advice of his elders.
She decided to hark to the sound of the bell.
They were harking to the gentle whispers of the wind.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Authors have often used 'hark' to create vivid scenes where characters are listening for crucial sounds.
The phrase 'hark! the herald angels sing' from a famous Christmas carol emphasizes the act of listening closely to joyful news.
In storytelling, harking back can help reveal character backstories or important events from the past.

Cultural References

Pop culture sometimes uses 'hark' in film and television, especially in fantasy settings, to grab attention.
In music, 'harking' back to previous styles can describe an artist's inspiration from earlier genres.
Commonly, people say 'hark back' when talking about how current trends remind them of old ones.

Psychology

Harking enhances memory by encouraging people to consciously recall and reflect on past experiences.
Research suggests that active listening, which is a form of harking, can strengthen relationships and improve communication.
Studying how we hark back to memories helps psychologists understand nostalgia and its emotional effects.

Origin of 'harking'

Main points about word origin

'Harking' comes from the Old English word 'heorcnan,' meaning to listen.
The term has been used since the 14th century to describe listening attentively or following advice.
It’s often used in literature to suggest a character focusing on something important.

The word 'hark' derives from the Old English word 'hercan', which means to hear or listen. Throughout Middle English, it transformed into 'harken', influenced by the word 'hark.', Its usage became more pronounced in literature and poetry, often used in phrases that evoke an image of attentiveness or recalling. The phrase 'hark back' is especially interesting, originating from hunting terminology where hounds would return to a previous point based on scent. The evolution of the word reflects its rich history in English, as it has maintained a sense of nostalgia and attentiveness over time.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,065 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34062 wheedling
34063 impeachable
34064 spurning
34065 harking
34066 impedimenta
34067 brassiere
34068 diaphoretic
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Harking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations