Behold
/bɪˈhoʊld/
verbC2
Definition
Behold is a formal or old-fashioned verb that means to look at or see something carefully, often something special or amazing. It is used when you want to draw attention to something important or beautiful that someone should notice.
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⚡ See It in Action
To look at or see something, especially something impressive or important
- •Behold the beautiful mountains at sunrise.
- •She beheld the painting with great admiration.
- •The crowd beheld the fireworks display in silence.
(Literary or old use) To call attention to something visible or important
- •"Behold, the king approaches!" said the herald.
- •The ancient text says, "Behold the power of nature."
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "behold" like "see" (A1 word), but with a strong feeling of wonder or importance—more than just looking casually
- ✓Picture a person standing still, eyes wide open, looking at a beautiful sunset or a big surprise
- ✓It's the feeling when you suddenly notice something amazing and want to show it to others: "Look at this!"
- ✓Sounds like "be-HOLD" → imagine holding your eyes wide open to take in something great
- ✓In stories or old movies, a character might say "Behold!" before showing something magical or important
- ✓NOT like "glance" (a quick look), "behold" means to look carefully and fully
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not looking at all), "behold" demands attention and focus
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Observe: to watch carefully (Use when focusing on careful, detailed looking)
- •Look at: to direct your eyes toward something (Use for informal or everyday situations)
- •Notice: to become aware of something (Use when something catches your attention, often unexpectedly)
- •Gaze at: to look steadily and intently (Use when looking with strong attention or interest)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "be-" (a prefix often meaning "about" or "around") + "hold" (to keep or keep in sight)
- •Etymology: From Old English "behealdan," meaning to hold in view or look at
- •Historical development: Used in Old and Middle English as a formal way to say "look" or "see," often in religious or poetic texts
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in literature, poetry, or formal speech to create a dramatic effect or call attention
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When might you want to use a word like "behold" instead of just "see" or "look"?
•How does using "behold" change the way someone feels about what they are seeing?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The king said, "___ the great treasure before you," asking everyone to look carefully and with ___.
2.She beheld the sunset, feeling ___ at the colors lighting up the sky.
3.Unlike a quick glance, to behold something means to ___ it fully and with attention.
4.When the magician said "Behold!", the audience ___ their eyes wide open in surprise.
5.You often hear "behold" in old stories to ___ something important or magical.
6.To behold something beautiful usually makes a person feel ___ or amazed.
7.The soldiers were ordered to behold the flag as a symbol of ___ and honor.