bespeak

[ bih-speek ]

verb (used with object)

, be·spoke or (Archaic) be·spake; be·spo·ken or be·spoke; be·speak·ing.

1. to ask for in advance:

   to bespeak the reader's patience.

2. to reserve beforehand; engage in advance; make arrangements for:

   to bespeak a seat in a theater.

3. Literary. to speak to; address.
4. to show; indicate:

   This bespeaks a kindly heart.

5. Obsolete. to foretell; forebode.

bespeak

/ bɪˈspiːk /

verb

1. to engage, request, or ask for in advance
2. to indicate or suggest

   this act bespeaks kindness

3. poetic.
   to speak to; address
4. archaic.
   to foretell

Word History and Origins

Origin of bespeak¹

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

Example Sentences

The broad shoulders and ample waist bespeak the splendid strength of the goddess.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of the pictures now displayed in exhibitions bespeak a close intimacy between the painters and the fishermen.

From Project Gutenberg

The remains, like those around St. Piran's, bespeak a somewhat dense population.

From Project Gutenberg

The wonderful claims these people bespeak for them are not to be believed by any intelligent man.

From Project Gutenberg

She had now, however, bought sufficient experience to bespeak a chaise against his return.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• imply