How Do You Spell HARP?

Pronunciation: [hˈɑːp] (IPA)

Harp is a musical instrument with strings that are plucked or strummed. The word is spelled with four letters: h-a-r-p. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /hɑːrp/. The "h" at the beginning is a voiceless glottal fricative. The "a" is pronounced like "ahh" with an open vowel sound. The "r" is a voiced alveolar approximant. Finally, the "p" is a voiceless bilabial plosive. Although the spelling of the word "harp" is simple, its pronunciation can vary depending on the accent and region.

HARP Meaning and Definition

  1. Harp, a musical instrument, is defined as a large triangular or quadrilateral-shaped stringed instrument consisting of a resonating chamber, a neck, and multiple strings passing over its bridge. It is often characterized by its vertical orientation, with the strings extending upwards from the base towards the player.

    Traditionally, the harp has a hollow, sound-reflecting body known as the resonating chamber, which varies in shape and size depending on the specific type of harp. The neck of the instrument extends from the resonating chamber, and atop it lies the string attachment points and tuning pegs. The strings, varying in number, are plucked with the fingers or a small implement. Harps may have pedals or levers that alter the pitch of the strings, allowing the player to access different musical notes.

    Harps have appeared in various forms across numerous cultures and historical periods, with notable examples including the ancient Egyptian and Celtic harps. With its ethereal and enchanting sound, the harp often evokes feelings of tranquility and elegance. It is commonly employed in classical music, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as a solo instrument. Additionally, the harp is utilized in folk music, modern compositions, and even popular music genres.

    Overall, the harp is a versatile instrument with a rich history, cherished for its graceful appearance and enchanting melodies.

  2. • A large musical instr., strung with wires, which are played on with the fingers; a sifting implement for cleaning grain or screening lime.
    • To play on the harp; to bring out a sound from the harp; to dwell on a subject vexatiously and tediously.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HARP

Etymology of HARP

The word "harp" traces its origins back to the Old English word "hearpe", which is believed to have been derived from the Old High German word "harpha". The Old High German term itself was likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word "harpō", which means "instrument with plucked strings". This Proto-Germanic word originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kard", meaning "to harrow" or "to card". Ultimately, the etymology of "harp" suggests its association with the action of plucking or combing.

Idioms with the word HARP

  • harp on The idiom "harp on" means to talk or complain about something repeatedly, often in a tedious or annoying manner, without offering any significant insights or solutions.
  • harp on one string The idiom "harp on one string" implies continuously or repeatedly talking about or focusing on the same subject or topic, often to the point of annoyance or tedium. It refers to someone being overly repetitive or fixated on a single idea, without varying or diversifying their conversation or perspective.
  • harp on sth The idiom "harp on something" means to repeatedly talk about or emphasize a particular topic, often in a tedious or excessive manner. It implies that someone is continuously bringing up a subject or point, often to the annoyance or weariness of others.
  • harp on the same string The idiom "harp on the same string" means to constantly talk about or focus on the same topic, issue, or complaint, often in a repetitive or excessive manner. It implies that someone is repetitive and unrelenting in expressing their opinions or grievances without considering alternative perspectives or moving on to different subjects.
  • harp away at (someone or something) The idiom "harp away at (someone or something)" means to persistently and repeatedly criticize, complain, or nag someone or about something. It implies continuously and tediously harping on a particular issue or subject, often to the annoyance or frustration of others.
  • harp on sm or sth The idiom "harp on something" means to talk about or dwell on a particular subject or issue repeatedly, usually in a critical or complaining manner.
  • harp on (someone or something) The idiom "harp on (someone or something)" means to persistently and continuously talk about or criticize someone or something, often in a tedious or annoying manner. It implies the repetitive nature of talking about the same issue or subject, without giving up or moving on. It can also suggest dwelling on minor faults or flaws and not letting them go.
  • the Harp

Similar spelling words for HARP

Plural form of HARP is HARPS

Conjugate verb Harp

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have harped
you would have harped
he/she/it would have harped
we would have harped
they would have harped
I would have harp
you would have harp
he/she/it would have harp
we would have harp
they would have harp

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been harping
you would have been harping
he/she/it would have been harping
we would have been harping
they would have been harping

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would harp
you would harp
he/she/it would harp
we would harp
they would harp

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be harping
you would be harping
he/she/it would be harping
we would be harping
they would be harping

FUTURE

I will harp
you will harp
he/she/it will harp
we will harp
they will harp

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be harping
you will be harping
he/she/it will be harping
we will be harping
they will be harping

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have harped
you will have harped
he/she/it will have harped
we will have harped
they will have harped

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been harping
you will have been harping
he/she/it will have been harping
we will have been harping
they will have been harping

IMPERATIVE

you harp
we let´s harp

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to harp

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was harping
you were harping
he/she/it was harping
we were harping
they were harping

PAST PARTICIPLE

harped

PAST PERFECT

I had harped
you had harped
he/she/it had harped
we had harped
they had harped

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been harping
you had been harping
he/she/it had been harping
we had been harping
they had been harping

PRESENT

I harp
you harp
he/she/it harps
we harp
they harp

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am harping
you are harping
he/she/it is harping
we are harping
they are harping

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

harping

PRESENT PERFECT

I have harped
you have harped
he/she/it has harped
we have harped
they have harped

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been harping
you have been harping
he/she/it has been harping
we have been harping
they have been harping

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it harp

SIMPLE PAST

I harped
you harped
he/she/it harped
we harped
they harped

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