Word: Betoken
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: The word "betoken" means to indicate or show something by signs. When you betoken something, you are giving a signal or hint about what is to come or what is true.
Usage Instructions:Use "betoken" when you want to describe how someone or something shows or signals a particular condition, feeling, or event. It is often used in more formal contexts or literary writing.
Examples: 1. The dark clouds in the sky betoken an approaching storm. 2. His smile betokened his happiness about the news. 3. The sudden drop in temperature betokens a change in the weather.
Advanced Usage: In advanced contexts, "betoken" can be used to discuss more abstract ideas, such as emotions, societal changes, or economic conditions. For example: - The rising unemployment rates betoken a serious economic recession.
Word Variants: - Betokening (present participle): "The signs are betokening a shift in public opinion." - Betokened (past tense): "The broken window betokened that someone had entered the building unlawfully."
Different Meanings:While "betoken" primarily means to indicate or signify, it can also imply a deeper or more serious condition, as in signs of illness or trouble.
Synonyms: - Indicate - Signify - Portend - Foretell - Signal
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "betoken," but you may encounter phrases that convey similar meanings, such as: - "To point to" (indicating something). - "To serve as a sign of" (indicating a condition or state).
Summary: In summary, "betoken" is a verb used to indicate or signify something through signs.