Behold: meaning, definitions and examples

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behold

 

[ bษชหˆhoสŠld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น eis

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅ‡เค–เฅ‹

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช siehe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lihat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐั‡ะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ patrz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฆ‹ใ‚ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท voici

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ he aquรญ

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณด๋ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู†ุธุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hleฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็œ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ glej

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sjรก

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒฎแƒกแƒแƒ•แƒ“แƒ”แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bax

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ he aquรญ

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,874 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.