bethink

American  

[bih-thingk] / bɪˈθɪŋk /

verb (used with object)

bethought, bethinking

1. to think; consider (used reflexively).

   He bethought himself a moment.

2. to remind (oneself ).

   to bethink oneself of family obligations.

3. to remember; recall (used reflexively).

   She lives in the past now, bethinking herself of happier days.

4. to determine; resolve.

   Under the circumstances I could not otherwise bethink me.

5. Archaic. to bear in mind; remember.

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verb (used without object)

bethought, bethinking

1. Archaic. to consider; meditate.

bethink British  

/ bɪˈθɪŋk /

verb

1. to cause (oneself) to consider or meditate

2. to remind (oneself)

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Etymology

Origin of bethink

before 1000; Middle English bethenken, Old English bethencan. See be-, think ¹

Example Sentences

When a New Englander needs an image for swarming bees he may not bethink him of showered stars, yet sparks from a Fourth of July pinwheel are quite as effective and wholly permissible.

From Time Magazine Archive

But the head of the French department did not bethink himself in time to procure a bust of Ronsard to be duly "crowned," during the ceremony.

From Time Magazine Archive

Yet many readers will bethink themselves of many Cynthias and wonder if it is too late, or just timely, to pass the book along.

From Time Magazine Archive

I bethink me there are barrels of oil that we did not place aboard the Mirandola.

From With Drake on the Spanish Main by Strang, Herbert

The spear I threw but now,—God be praised it failed of its mark, sir! and I bethink me 'tis still sticking in the tree—has served me in good stead many a time and oft.

From With Drake on the Spanish Main by Strang, Herbert