Behold: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
behold
[ bษชหhoสld ]
archaic usage
To behold means to see or gaze upon something, often with wonder or admiration. It is an old-fashioned term that has largely fallen out of common use but can still convey a sense of awe or significance regarding what is being observed.
Synonyms
gaze, observe, see, view, witness
Examples of usage
- Behold the beauty of the sunset.
- As he entered the room, the guests beheld the magnificent decoration.
- She turned to behold the majestic mountains.
- He asked them to behold the miracle of nature.
- Behold the wonders of the ancient world.
literary usage
In literature, to behold can also be used to invite the audience to look at or consider a particular idea or theme. It adds a dramatic flair to the narrative, prompting readers to engage with the text on a deeper level.
Synonyms
acknowledge, consider, perceive, recognize, regard
Examples of usage
- Behold, the hero's journey unfolds before us.
- As the story progresses, we are asked to behold the characters' struggles.
- In the climax, the author urges us to behold the profound truth revealed.
- Readers are encouraged to behold the symbolism woven throughout the tale.
- In the final chapters, we behold the resolution of the conflict.
Translations
Translations of the word "behold" in other languages:
๐ต๐น eis
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเฅเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช siehe
๐ฎ๐ฉ lihat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะฐัะธัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ patrz
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฆใ
๐ซ๐ท voici
๐ช๐ธ he aquรญ
๐น๐ท bak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ณด๋ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุธุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ hleฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ hฤพa
๐จ๐ณ ็
๐ธ๐ฎ glej
๐ฎ๐ธ sjรก
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแกแแแแแก
๐ฆ๐ฟ bax
๐ฒ๐ฝ he aquรญ
Word origin
The word 'behold' has its origins in the Old English word 'behealdan', which means 'to hold in view' or 'to keep in sight'. The prefix 'be-' indicates a sense of completeness or thoroughness, while 'healdan' is related to the Old Norse 'halda', meaning 'to hold'. This term evolved in Middle English to 'beholden', where it retained its meaning of seeing or witnessing. Used often in literary and religious texts, 'behold' has a history of inviting awe and reverence in its usage. It has found its place in many important literary works and speeches, reflecting its power as a word that compels attention. Although it is less common in modern conversation, its presence in historical texts and its evocative quality make it a memorable term that continues to resonate in cultural references.