harp
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /hɑrp/
KK: /hɑrp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To play a musical instrument that has strings and is played by plucking with the fingers.
Example
She loves to harp on her beautiful instrument during the evenings.
Tense Forms
Past: harped
Past Participle: harped
Conversation
I heard you can harp pretty well now!
Yeah, I’ve been practicing a lot lately.
That's awesome! I would love to hear you harp sometime.
For sure! I’ll play a little tune for you next time we hang out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strum
pluck
tune
Antonyms
silence
mute
stop
noun
Definition
A musical instrument with a triangular frame and strings that you play by plucking with your fingers.
Example
She played a beautiful melody on her harp during the concert.
Conversation
I heard you bought a new harp recently, how do you like it?
It's amazing! I've been practicing every day.
That's awesome! I always wanted to learn how to play the harp.
Root Explanation
The word 'harp' originates from Old English 'hearpe', which is derived from Proto-Germanic '*harpō', meaning a stringed musical instrument. The term refers specifically to this type of instrument that produces sound by plucking strings.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English 'hearpe' as a stringed instrument that creates beautiful music when its strings are plucked.
Visually Confused Words
wharp
sharp
hap
sharpy
sharps
hairup