Hearkened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hearkened

[หˆhษชrkษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

literary usage

To hearken means to listen attentively or to pay heed. It is often used in a poetic or archaic context, emphasizing the act of listening with intent or care.

Synonyms

heed, listen, observe, pay attention.

Examples of usage

  • They hearkened to the wise words of the elder.
  • She hearkened back to the stories of her childhood.
  • The crowd hearkened to the call of the speaker.
  • He hearkened to the distant sounds of nature.

Translations

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Origin of 'hearkened'

The word 'hearkened' derives from the Old English 'hercan,' which means 'to hear' and is connected to the Proto-Germanic 'haurkan,' meaning 'to listen.' The term has its roots in the notion of listening with care or attention, often carrying a sense of respect or importance. Over time, 'hearken' evolved into a more literary term, commonly found in poetry and older texts to evoke a sense of urgency or solemnity in the act of listening. This archaic usage persists in some modern contexts, often to create an atmosphere reminiscent of historical or classic literature. As a result, 'hearkened' is less frequently used in everyday conversation but retains a presence in formal or artistic expressions.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,368, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.