verb

behold

bih-HOHLD

verb

To look at or see something, especially something impressive.

"Tourists gathered to behold the sunset over the canyon."

interjection

Used to draw attention dramatically to something.

"And behold, the curtain rose to reveal the stage."

How to Use Behold

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo see or look at something, often with a sense of awe.

When to use it

Formal or literary; not used in everyday casual speech.

Word Forms

beheld past tense, beholden past tense, behold plural, beheld plural, beholds singular, behold singular, beheld singular, beholdest singular, beheldst singular, beholdeth singular

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Tourists gathered to _____ the sunset over the canyon.

Etymology

From Old English behealdan, meaning "to hold, keep watch on, or observe," built from be- plus "hold."

Synonyms

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Related Words

Rhymes for behold

household stranglehold

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