Hark back
verb
To refer to or return to something in the past.
His latest film harks back to the horror movies of the 1960s.
Often appears as...
- hark back to the past
- hark back to her childhood
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To resemble or be similar to an earlier type or style.
These structures hark back to the Roman times.
Often appears as...
- hark back to a time
- hark back to an era
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To refer to or return to something in the past.
His latest film harks back to the horror movies of the 1960s.
Often appears as...
- hark back to the past
- hark back to her childhood
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To resemble or be similar to an earlier type or style.
These structures hark back to the Roman times.
Often appears as...
- hark back to a time
- hark back to an era
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Past Reference
Used when discussing historical events or comparing old and new situations.
Scholars hark back to ancient texts to understand historical societies.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Nostalgia
Can express a sentimental yearning for the past, like memories or traditions.
Grandma would often hark back to the days of her youth with a warm smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Change Over Time
Highlights differences between past and present, can indicate longing or criticism.
Critics hark back to the original film as superior to the remake.
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