Hearkened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
hearkened
[หhษชrkษnd ]
Definition
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.