Pronunciation: \ˈhärk\
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
Definition 1: to listen carefully; to listen attentively; hearken, to listen to; hear; pay attention; give heed
Usually in the imperative, with the effect of an exclamation; now chiefly literary
Definition 2: hark back- to return to an earlier point so as to pick up the scent or trail again; to go back in thought or speech; revert or be reminiscent of
Origin:
At first the word meant simply to listen or to pay close attention. But by the 17th century, it had developed specific uses in the sport of hunting. Hunters used hark as a call of attention and incitement. When a dog had lost a scent, hark back was a command for the dog to return along the course taken till the animal found the scent again.
By the early 19th century, hark back had also become a figurative expression meaning to retrace one's course or steps, to revert, or to return to some earlier point in a narrative, discussion, or argument.
"The teacher kept harking back to the same quotation in the book over and over again."
Personally, I prefer the usage of the first definition- it’s just fun! However, I did find the second definition to be intriguing and think we should definitely make an effort to incorporate it into our everyday conversation.
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