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

Explanation

To behold is to see. You could behold the changing sky as the sun sets. It’s old-fashioned and fancy, so magicians like to use it, as in “Behold! I shall pull a rabbit out of my hat!” Have you ever heard "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"? That can help you remember that to behold is to see something and to hold it in your attention. To behold is to look intensely — it’s much more than a glance. A good example of beholding is when you take the time to check out something special like that beautiful sunset, or a bunny hopping out of a hat and handing out candy.

Example Sentences

Fact: The speed, power, and precision of U.S. air and naval power is indeed something to behold.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

"This was an incredibly surprising thing to behold," Lima said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Even when her film is utterly befuddling, it’s a joy to behold.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Lo and behold, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is taking up the cause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Afterward her lord husband led his guests onto the lower terrace, so the visitors from the Yellow City might behold Meereen by night.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin