bespeak

IPA/bɪˈspiːk/
KK[bɪspˈik]IPA/bɪˈspiːk/

bespeak — verb

  • bespeakpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • bespeakshe / she / it
  • bespokepast simple
  • bespokenpast participle
  • bespeaking-ing form

1. if an action, appearance, or condition bespeaks something, it makes that quality

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

if an action, appearance, or condition bespeaks something, it makes that quality or situation clear without saying it directly.

例句

The calm way Nila answered the complaint bespeaks years of patient leadership.

bespeak + someone's quality

Fresh paint and repaired windows bespeak the owner's pride in the old house.

同義詞
  • indicate

    more neutral and much more common in everyday English

  • suggest

    allows more uncertainty than bespeak

  • reflect

    often stresses showing a quality through behaviour or appearance

反義詞
  • hide

    keeps a quality from being noticed

  • conceal

    more formal and stresses deliberate hiding

文法句型

bespeak + quality/state

bespeak + someone's experience/care

用法筆記

Usually takes an abstract object such as confidence, care, or trouble, and it sounds formal or literary. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense points to evidence or appearance, not to arranging something ahead of time.

常見錯誤

❌Her speech bespeaks that she is nervous.
✅Her speech bespeaks her nervousness.
💡this verb normally takes a noun phrase object, not a that-clause.

2. to arrange for something to be kept, prepared, or supplied for you before you ne

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to arrange for something to be kept, prepared, or supplied for you before you need it.

例句

We bespoke two balcony seats before the jazz festival opened online sales.

bespeak + seat in advance

Yasmin bespeaks fresh flowers each spring for her grandmother's birthday dinner.

同義詞
  • reserve

    the normal modern choice for keeping a seat, room, or table

  • order

    better when goods are requested to be supplied

  • arrange

    broader and less formal about setting something up beforehand

反義詞
  • cancel

    stop a booking or request that was made earlier

  • decline

    choose not to ask for or keep the service

文法句型

bespeak + seat/room/table

bespeak + goods/service + for + occasion

用法筆記

Often appears with things or services that can be set aside in advance, such as seats, rooms, flowers, or a guide. In modern English it is formal and uncommon; many speakers would choose book, order, or reserve instead.

常見錯誤

❌I bespoke for a table at seven.
✅I bespoke a table for seven o'clock.
💡bespeak normally takes the thing arranged as its direct object.