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Betake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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betake

[bษชหˆteษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

take away

To betake oneself means to go or proceed to a certain place, often involving a sense of urgency or purpose. It is an archaic term that is not commonly used in modern English, but can still be found in literary or formal contexts.

Synonyms

depart, go, proceed, travel.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to betake himself to the mountains for solitude.
  • The explorers betook themselves to the uncharted territories.
  • She betook herself to studying law after many years of traveling.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare used forms of this word in his plays, highlighting its place in Early Modern English literature.
  • Poets of the Romantic era often employed it to create a sense of journey or transition in their works.
  • Itโ€™s often associated with a sense of determination in literature, as characters 'betake' themselves to new adventures.

Cultural Usage

  • In historical contexts, 'betake' was commonly used in literature and speeches, adding a formal tone to the act of going.
  • Many phrases in older English texts depict characters 'betaking' themselves to war or adventure, indicating a noble purpose.
  • Modern English has largely replaced it with simpler terms, reflecting a shift toward accessibility in language.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers use the term in discussions about agency, particularly in how individuals 'betake' themselves toward goals.
  • The concept of self-direction inherent in 'betake' emphasizes personal responsibility in choosing one's path.
  • It suggests a deliberate choice in pursuing actions, aligning with existentialist views on the importance of decisions.

Origin of 'betake'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'betacan', which means to commit or to give over.
  • It is related to the Middle Dutch 'betaken', meaning to provide or to take to.
  • Over time, its meaning evolved into the sense of going or directing oneself to a particular place.

The word 'betake' originates from Middle English 'betaken', which is a combination of the prefix 'be-' and 'take'. The prefix 'be-' often indicates a sense of thoroughness or completeness in Old English, while 'taken' comes from the Old English 'tacan', meaning to grasp or seize. Historically, 'betake' was used in contexts where someone would commit themselves to a certain action or place. The word's usage has diminished over the years, and it is typically found in more formal or literary texts today. Despite its decline in everyday conversation, 'betake' still carries a sense of deliberate action and intent.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,124, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.