to listen carefully or pay close attention, to go back to a previous time or situation

harken back to, harken to the call, harken to reason

Formal and Informal Expressions of harken

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

harken: Explore its Definition & Usage

harken Definition

1to listen carefully or pay close attention
2to go back to a previous time or situation

Using harken: Examples

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

Example
Harken to the sound of the waves.
Example
We should harken to our parents' advice.
Example
The movie harkens back to the golden age of Hollywood.
Example
The painting harkens back to the Renaissance era.

harken Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for harken

Antonyms for harken

Phrases with harken

harken back to
to evoke or recall a past event, period, or style
Example
The band's new album harkens back to the classic rock of the 70s.
harken to the call
to respond to a request or call for action
Example
The citizens harkened to the call for volunteers during the disaster relief efforts.
harken to reason
to be persuaded by logical arguments or evidence
Example
After much discussion, he finally harkened to reason and agreed to the compromise.

Origins of harken

from Middle English 'herknen', meaning 'to listen'

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Summary: harken in Brief

'Harken' [ˈhɑːrkən] is a verb that means to listen carefully or pay close attention, as in 'Harken to the sound of the waves.' It can also mean to go back to a previous time or situation, as in 'The movie harkens back to the golden age of Hollywood.' The phrase 'harken back to' is commonly used to evoke or recall a past event, period, or style.