Bethinking: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔
Add to dictionary

bethinking

 

[ bɪˈθɪŋkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

reflective thinking

Bethink is an archaic term meaning to reflect or consider carefully. It's often used in a poetic or literary context, inviting the idea of deep contemplation.

Synonyms

consider, contemplate, ponder

Examples of usage

  • She bethought herself of all the possibilities before making a decision.
  • He took a moment to bethink the consequences of his actions.
  • In the quiet of the evening, he often bethought the meaning of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "bethinking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refletindo

🇮🇳 सोचते हुए

🇩🇪 nachdenklich

🇮🇩 merenungkan

🇺🇦 обдумування

🇵🇱 rozmyślanie

🇯🇵 考えている

🇫🇷 réfléchissant

🇪🇸 reflexionando

🇹🇷 düşünmekte

🇰🇷 생각하고 있는

🇸🇦 يفكر

🇨🇿 přemýšlení

🇸🇰 premýšľanie

🇨🇳 思考

🇸🇮 premišljanje

🇮🇸 hugsa

🇰🇿 ойлану

🇬🇪 აზროვნება

🇦🇿 düşünmək

🇲🇽 reflexionando

Etymology

The word 'bethink' is derived from the Old English 'beþencan', which means 'to consider' or 'to think upon'. It combines the prefix 'be-' that suggests completeness in this context, with 'þencan', meaning to think. The term has seen a decline in usage due to the evolution of the English language, with more modern synonyms like 'reflect' and 'ponder' taking its place. Despite its rarity in contemporary dialogue, 'bethink' still appears in literary contexts and can be found in older texts, representing a more formal mode of expression. The noun form 'bethinking' is even less common, primarily used in specific literary or philosophical discussions.