behold

American  

[bih-hohld] / bɪˈhoʊld /

verb (used with object)

beheld, beholding

1. to observe; look at; see.

   Synonyms:

   discern, watch, view, regard

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interjection

1. look; see.

   And, behold, three sentries of the King did appear.

behold British  

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

1. to look (at); observe

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Other Word Forms

• beholdable adjective
• beholder noun
• unbeholdable adjective

Etymology

Origin of behold

First recorded before 900; Middle English beholden, Old English behaldan “to keep”; be-, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Every gesture, word and expression is a marvel to behold, made all the more stunning by the fact that Seyfried essentially plays three different personality types throughout the film.

From Salon

But Dijon’s creativity was the most exciting to behold as heard on Bieber’s “Swag” and his own album “Baby.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Lo and behold, it stripped synapses off neurons," Shatz said -- quite a surprise for a molecule researchers had previously thought had no function at all.

From Science Daily

So behold the Office of Personnel Management’s new federal workforce data portal—arguably Washington’s first success in providing useful information to average citizens and policy junkies alike.

From The Wall Street Journal

With two hands I unfurled it, only to behold the most beautiful, most fashionable, most exquisite dress I had ever laid eyes on.

From Literature