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betoken

[ bih-toh-kuhn ]
/ bɪˈtoʊ kən /
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verb (used with object)
to give evidence of; indicate: to betoken one's fidelity with a vow; a kiss that betokens one's affection.
to be or give a token or sign of; portend: a thunderclap that betokens foul weather; an angry word that betokens hostility.
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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
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Origin of betoken

First recorded in 1125–75, betoken is from the Middle English word bitocnen, bitacnen. See be-, token

Words nearby betoken

betide, betimes, bêtise, Betjeman, to blame, be, betoken, bet one's ass, bet on the wrong horse, betony, betook, torn between, be
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to betoken

assert, augur, bespeak, betide, denote, express, forebode, foreshadow, foreshow, import, note, omen, portend, presage, show, signify, symbolize, witness

How to use betoken in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for betoken

betoken
/ (bɪˈtəʊkən) /
verb (tr)
to indicate; signifyblack clothes betoken mourning
to portend; augur
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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