Word of the Day, September 19: ‘Harp’

Word of the Day: HARP

Pronunciation: UK /hɑːp/
US /hɑːrp/

Meaning

Harp is a noun for a large musical instrument with strings stretched across a frame, played by plucking the strings with the fingers. The word is also used as a verb, especially in the expression “harp on”, meaning to keep talking about or complaining about something repeatedly.

Examples for daily usage

• She has been learning to play the harp since she was a child.
• The orchestra's harp added a soft, dreamy quality to the music.
• There's no point in harping on the same mistake again.

Origin and history

Harp comes from the Old English ‘hearpe’, meaning a harp or stringed musical instrument. It is related to words for the instrument in several Germanic languages, including Old Norse ‘harpa’, Dutch ‘harp’ and German ‘Harfe’. Its deeper origin is uncertain. The word has therefore been part of the English language for more than a thousand years.

The verb harp, meaning to play the harp, also comes from Old English. Its figurative meaning, referring to someone who repeatedly talks about one particular subject, appeared by the mid-15th century. This eventually gave English the familiar expression “harp on”.

Also Read: Word of the Day, September 18: ‘Grief’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

The harp has a long association with music, mythology and national identity. It is particularly connected with Ireland, where the harp is an important symbol of Irish culture and appears on Irish coins and official emblems.

The word is also interesting because it developed a completely different everyday meaning. When someone is said to be “harping on” about something, it has nothing to do with music. 

Interesting facts

Harp has been used in English since at least Old English.

The related word harpist, meaning a person who plays the harp, dates from the early 17th century.

The word arpeggio, used in music for notes of a chord played one after another, comes from the Italian arpeggio, literally connected with playing the harp.

Harp seal has nothing to do with the animal playing music. The name comes from the harp-shaped markings on the seal's back.

Harp can also refer to a harmonica in informal or specialised usage. This sense comes from the expression “mouth-harp”.

Examples from literature

• “Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on the harp...” — Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen.
• “just as a minstrel fastens a string upon his harp and strains it to the pitch” — The Story of the Odyssey, Homer. (translated by Alfred John Church)

Synonyms

For the verb harp on

• Dwell on
• Repeat
• Persist
• Go on about

Antonyms

For harp on:

• Disregard
• Drop
• Ignore
• Move on

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