BESPEAK Definition & Meaning

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bespeak

[ bih-speek ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

bespoke or (Archaic) bespake; bespoken or bespoke; bespeaking.

to ask for in advance:
to bespeak the reader's patience.
to reserve beforehand; engage in advance; make arrangements for:
to bespeak a seat in a theater.
Literary. to speak to; address.
to show; indicate:
This bespeaks a kindly heart.
Obsolete. to foretell; forebode.

bespeak

/ ��ɪˈ��辱ː�� /

verb

to engage, request, or ask for in advance
to indicate or suggest
this act bespeaks kindness
poetic.
to speak to; address
archaic.
to foretell

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of bespeak¹

before 900; Middle English bespeken, Old English besprecan. See be-, speak

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But that bespeaks an arrogance the party will have to overcome if it’s going to stanch the bleeding among union and working-class voters.

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Strange and complicated rhythm structures and overheated harmonies, along with mystic bird calls in the piano all bespeak the magic of his young love.

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The award should go to “The Zone of Interest,” a brilliantly counterintuitive adaptation that bespeaks Jonathan Glazer’s seriousness and thoughtfulness at every turn.

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It also bespeaks a certain arrogance, the notion that voters can’t be trusted to make the right decision by rejecting Trump.

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Those who say they sleep well are a little bashful, as if their easy rest bespeaks a too-cosseted mind, a too-simple life.

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