bethink
Americanverb (used with object)
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to think; consider (used reflexively).
He bethought himself a moment.
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to remind (oneself ).
to bethink oneself of family obligations.
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to remember; recall (used reflexively).
She lives in the past now, bethinking herself of happier days.
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to determine; resolve.
Under the circumstances I could not otherwise bethink me.
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Archaic. to bear in mind; remember.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to cause (oneself) to consider or meditate
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to remind (oneself)
Etymology
Origin of bethink
before 1000; Middle English bethenken, Old English bethencan. See be-, think 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
I was standing by the draw-well yonder, looking, I now bethink me, at the dove-cote where I suspected thieves; and in a humour somewhat of the sharpest, I trow.
From The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by Roby, John
When reading this, anyone who is familiar with biblical history will bethink him of Luke iii.
From Ancient Faiths And Modern A Dissertation upon Worships, Legends and Divinities by Inman, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
