Hark Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/hɑːrk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A surprised or sudden exclamation; a sudden, sharp, and intense sense of hearing or perception.

Examples

• He exclaimed, “Hark, what noise doth come from yonder!”
• The sudden burst of music harkened back to a bygone era.
• As he listened closely, he harkened to the subtle nuances of the violin solo.
• Hark, what wonders doth lie hidden beneath the surface?

Synonyms

• Listen
• Perceive
• Notice

Antonyms

• Disregard
• Overlook
• Ignore

Additional Information

The word “Hark” has its roots in Old English and Middle English, and was commonly used to express surprise, alarm, or attention. It is often used in literature and poetry to add a sense of drama or emphasis to a moment.

Etymology

“Hark” is derived from the Old English word “hēarc”, which means “to hear” or “to listen”. The word has evolved over time to take on its current meaning, which is often linked to the idea of sudden or intense perception.

Usage Notes

“Hark” is typically used to express sudden attention or surprise, and is often used in poetic or literary contexts to add a sense of drama or emphasis. It is also used in everyday language to express surprise or attention, such as in the phrase “Hark, what noise doth come from yonder!”

Cultural References

“Hark” has appeared in numerous works of literature, including Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part 1” and “The Taming of the Shrew”. It has also been used in popular culture, such as in the song “Hark! What Angels Bring” from the musical “Les Misérables”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Hark, what angels bring!”
• “Hark, what news doth bring!”

Related Words or Phrases

• Listen
• Perceive
• Notice

Collocations

• “Hark, what sounds doth come from yonder?”
• “Hark, what beast lieth hidden in the shadows?”

Frequency of Use

“Hark” is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to its use in literature, poetry, and popular culture.

Common Misspellings

• Harke
• Harck
• Herke