Beckon: meaning, definitions and examples

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beckon

 

[ ˈbɛkən ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

gesture

To make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow.

Synonyms

gesture, invite, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beckon

Beckon is typically used when you want someone to approach or follow you, often by using a hand movement or nodding.

  • She beckoned him to come closer.
  • The guide beckoned the tourists to follow him.
signal

Signal is often used to describe any action or sign that conveys a message, especially in operational or tactical scenarios. It can be a hand movement, light, sound, or other indicators.

  • He gave the signal to start the operation.
  • The coach signaled the player to take a break.
gesture

Gesture is a more general term that refers to any physical movement to convey a message or emotion. This can include hand signs, facial expressions, or body postures.

  • He made a gesture to indicate that he was listening.
  • Her friendly gesture was appreciated by everyone.
invite

Invite is used when asking someone to join an event, activity, or location. It is more formal and typically used for social gatherings or events.

  • She invited her friends to her birthday party.
  • They invited him to join their book club.

Examples of usage

  • She beckoned to the waiter for the check.
  • The lighthouse keeper beckoned to the ships with his lantern.
Context #2 | Noun

summoning

A gesture made with the hand, arm, or head to signal someone to come nearer or follow.

Synonyms

gesture, invitation, signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beckon

Beckon is typically used when you want to gesture someone to come closer or follow you, often with a slight movement of the hand or head.

  • She beckoned him to come over to her table
  • The teacher beckoned the students to gather around
signal

Signal can refer to any action, gesture, or device used to convey instructions, warnings, or information. It is often more formal or mechanical than beckon or gesture.

  • The traffic lights signaled the cars to stop
  • He gave the signal for the team to start the operation
gesture

Gesture is a broad term that refers to any movement of the hands, arms, or head used to convey a message or feeling. It doesn't necessarily imply calling someone closer.

  • He made a gesture of approval with his thumbs up
  • She thanked him with a gentle nod and a friendly gesture
invitation

Invitation is used to describe a formal or informal request for someone to join an event, activity, or gathering. It usually suggests a polite and welcoming tone.

  • She sent out invitations to her birthday party
  • The invitation to the conference was very formal

Examples of usage

  • With a beckon of her hand, she signaled for him to approach.

Translations

Translations of the word "beckon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chamar

🇮🇳 इशारा करना

🇩🇪 winken

🇮🇩 memanggil

🇺🇦 кликати

🇵🇱 kiwać

🇯🇵 手招きする (てまねきする)

🇫🇷 faire signe

🇪🇸 llamar

🇹🇷 işaret etmek

🇰🇷 손짓하다

🇸🇦 يشير

🇨🇿 mávnout

🇸🇰 mávať

🇨🇳 召唤 (zhàohuàn)

🇸🇮 mahati

🇮🇸 veifa

🇰🇿 шақыру

🇬🇪 მოწვევა

🇦🇿 çağırmaq

🇲🇽 llamar

Etymology

The word 'beckon' originated from Middle English 'bekeonen', which comes from Old English 'bēcnan', meaning 'to make a mute gesture'. The gesture of beckoning has been used for centuries as a non-verbal way to communicate and invite others. It is a universal form of communication that transcends language barriers.

See also: beck.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,422, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.