Definition

1. Verb:
   • To listen attentively; to give heed: An archaic or literary verb meaning to pay close attention to what is heard, often implying a receptive or obedient attitude. It is most commonly used in the imperative mood to command attention.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • "Hearken to the wisdom of your elders."
  • "The king commanded his subjects to hearken to his decree."
  • "Hearken! A voice calls from the wilderness."

Advanced Usage

• "hearken back to": To recall or return to something from the past; to evoke a memory or earlier style. This is the most common modern usage of the word.
  • "The new policy seems to hearken back to the practices of a bygone era."
  • "The design hearkens back to the Art Deco movement."

Variants and Related Words

• Hark (verb): A synonym, also archaic and often used in the imperative ("Hark!"), meaning to listen.
• Hearkener (noun): One who hearkens (rarely used).

Synonyms

• Listen: To give attention with the ear.
• Attend: To pay attention.
• Hark: To listen (archaic).
• Give ear: To listen (idiomatic/archaic).

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Hearken to: The core construction, meaning to listen to something.
  • "You must hearken to the instructions carefully."
• Hearken back to: As described in 'Advanced Usage'.

Related Idioms

• To hearken unto (archaic/biblical): A variant of "hearken to," often found in religious or historical texts.
  • "My son, hearken unto my words."

Verb

1. listen; used mostly in the imperative