Word: behold

Associations

Behold is a word used to direct someone’s attention to something impressive or surprising. It is often used in literary or dramatic contexts.

• Example 1: "Behold the beauty of the sunset." (In this case, you are inviting someone to look at the beautiful sunset.)
• Example 2: "As we entered the room, we beheld a magnificent chandelier." (Here, it emphasizes the awe felt when seeing the chandelier.)
• Example 3: "Behold! The hero returns!" (This example shows excitement, drawing attention to the hero’s arrival.)

A well-known synonym for "behold" is "see." However, "behold" is more formal and often conveys a sense of awe or admiration, while "see" is more general and can be used in many casual contexts.

Substitution

Instead of "behold," you might also use:

• "Look" as in "Look at the beauty of the sunset." (More casual.)
• "Observe" as in "Observe the scenery around us." (More analytical.)
• "Witness" as in "Witness the glorious arrival of the hero." (Suggests being part of an event.)

Different substitutions change the formality and the emotion behind the action.

Deconstruction

The word "behold" comes from Old English "behealdan," where "be-" is a prefix meaning "about" and "healdan" means “to hold.” So it can literally be understood as "hold something in front of you."

Historically, behold was often used in religious or dramatic texts, giving it a sense of importance when directing someone’s attention.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a moment in your life where you wanted to say "behold" instead of just "look"?
• What are some things in nature or art that might inspire you to use the word "behold"?
• How does the formality of the word "behold" change the way you feel about what you're pointing out?