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harken

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈhɑː.kən/

KK: /ˈhɑrkən/

verb
Definition

To listen attentively or to pay close attention to something.


Example

You should harken to the advice of those who have more experience.


Tense Forms

Past: harkened

Past Participle: harkened


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you harken to what the teacher said about the project?
Sloth B
Yeah, I caught most of it, but I missed a few details.
Sloth A
I think it's important to harken to her advice if we want to get a good grade.
Sloth B
Absolutely! I’ll make sure to pay more attention next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
listen
heed
attend
Antonyms
ignore
disregard
overlook
Root Explanation

Harken → The word originates from Old English 'hercan', meaning to listen or to hear. It describes the act of listening attentively or paying close attention to something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'listening closely' — that's what harken means, to pay careful attention.

Visually Confused Words
hearken
tharen
shaken
harden
hairen
darken
barken
hearkener
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