to listen carefully or pay attention, used to express surprise or to call attention to something

hark back, harken back, hark at someone

Formal and Informal Expressions of hark

In different contexts, you can replace 'hark' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'listen, attend' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'pay attention, tune in' is a commonplace synonym.

hark: Explore its Definition & Usage

hark Definition

1to listen carefully or pay attention
2used to express surprise or to call attention to something

Using hark: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hark" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Hark! I hear the sound of the approaching train.
Example
Hark to the sound of the church bells.
Example
Harken to my words, for they are wise.
Example
Hark! Who goes there?

hark Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hark

Phrases with hark

hark back
to go back to a previous time or topic in conversation or memory
Example
Her stories often hark back to her childhood in the countryside.
harken back
to recall or evoke a past event or time
Example
The old photograph harkened back to a simpler time.
hark at someone
used to express disapproval or disbelief at what someone has said or done
Example
Hark at you, telling me how to do my job!

Origins of hark

from Middle English 'herken', from Old English 'heorcnian'

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Summary: hark in Brief

'Hark' [hɑːk] is a verb that means to listen carefully or pay attention. It can also be used to express surprise or to call attention to something. The phrase 'hark back' refers to going back to a previous time or topic in conversation or memory, while 'harken back' means to recall or evoke a past event or time. 'Hark at someone' is an informal expression used to express disapproval or disbelief.