betoken

[ bih-toh-kuh n ]

/ bɪˈtoʊ kən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR betoken ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Nearby words

bethune, bethune, mary mcleod, betide, betimes, betjeman, betoken, betony, betook, betray, betroth, betrothal

Origin of betoken

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for betoken

Their faces reveal the absence of the looks that betoken hope, courage, aspiration, and high purpose.
The Reconstructed School|Francis B. Pearson
Such a fall might betoken rain, or a change of wind146 to the southward.
The Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 1 of 3|William Clark Russell
Mr. Narkom saw the flare of eye and the slackening of jaw which betoken amazement as Tavish opened his mouth to speak.
The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel|Mary E. Hanshew
Aloes, without a flower, betoken long life: in flower, betoken a legacy.
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions|Charles Mackay

His general work is pleasing and agreeable, but does not betoken extraordinary skill.
Portrait Miniatures|George C. Williamson

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