HEARKEN BACK Meaning and
Definition
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Hearken back is a phrasal verb that originates from the Middle English word "herknien," which means to listen or give attention to something. It is typically used to describe the act of recalling or reminiscing about past events, ideas, or traditions.
When someone hearkens back to something, they are mentally returning to a previous period or time. This can involve reflecting on memories or recalling specific features, characteristics, or practices associated with that time. It often entails revisiting or evoking the past in order to draw comparisons, make connections, or gain insights into present circumstances.
Hearken back is commonly used to emphasize the idea of tracing roots, finding inspiration in former practices, or connecting to historical contexts. It can convey a sense of nostalgia or longing for a former time, serving as a way to commemorate traditions, values, or ways of life that may have been lost or forgotten. For example, a person might hearken back to their childhood by reminiscing about the games they used to play or the books they used to read.
In summary, hearken back refers to the act of mentally returning to and reflecting upon past events, ideas, or traditions. It involves recalling and evoking the past, often for the purpose of drawing comparisons or connecting to historical contexts.
Common Misspellings for HEARKEN BACK
- gearken back
- bearken back
- nearken back
- jearken back
- uearken back
- yearken back
- hdarken back
- hrarken back
- h4arken back
- h3arken back
- hezrken back
- hesrken back
- hewrken back
- heqrken back
- heaeken back
- headken back
- heafken back
- heatken back
- hea5ken back
- hea4ken back
Etymology of HEARKEN BACK
The phrase "hearken back" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "hearken" and "back".
"Hearken" originated from the Middle English word "herknen", which itself came from the Old English word "hercnian". Both of these words mean "to listen" or "to hear". The term "hearken" is rarely used in modern English, but it was common in earlier times.
"Back" has its roots in the Old English word "bæc", which means "the rear part of the body" or "behind". Over time, it developed broader meanings related to direction or position, such as "in return" or "to or toward a previous condition".
When combined, "hearken back" suggests the act of listening carefully or paying attention to something that relates to or brings to mind a previous time, event, or condition.
Idioms with the word HEARKEN BACK
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hearken back
To harken back means to look back on or reference a past event, idea, or tradition. It is often used to evoke nostalgia or bring up a memory from the past.
