bespeak

[bih-speek]

verb (used with object)

bespoke , bespake, bespoken, bespoke, bespeaking. .

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

But that’s the gist of what they would be asked to do, which bespeaks no small amount of hubris on Newsom’s part.

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In 1900, the average life expectancy of a 1-year-old in the U.S. was about 56 years; that bespeaks a morbid population of infants.

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If she does run, one thing Harris must avoid at all costs is anything that bespeaks arrogance, entitlement or anything less than a 100% commitment to serving as governor.

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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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Related Words

• imply