betoken

IPA/bɪˈtəʊkən/
IPA/bɪˈtəʊkən/

betoken — verb

  • betokenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • betokenshe / she / it
  • betokenedpast simple
  • betokening-ing form

1. if an event, object, or quality betokens something, it shows that the thing alre

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

if an event, object, or quality betokens something, it shows that the thing already exists or is likely to happen — for example, a row of dark clouds betokening a storm, or a smile betokening a welcome.

例句

The sudden arrival of swallows betokened winter's end and the start of planting season.

natural phenomenon as subject with betoken + noun phrase

For Baraka, the empty chair at dinner betokened a loss the family could not discuss.

abstract object (loss, change) with betoken

同義詞
  • indicate

    neutral and much more common; appropriate in any register

  • signal

    more concrete, often used for deliberate or clear signs

  • signify

    similar level of formality, suggests deliberate symbolic meaning

  • presage

    even more formal, always points to a future event (often ominous)

反義詞
  • conceal

    to keep something hidden rather than show it as a sign

文法句型

betoken + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in literature and formal writing, not in casual conversation. The subject is typically a natural phenomenon, a social gesture, or an abstract situation — rarely a person performing an action. In everyday English, 'indicate' or 'signal' is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌The black clouds betoken.' (missing object)
✅The black clouds betoken a heavy storm.
💡Betoken is transitive and must be followed by a direct object.
❌I betoken that she will be late.' (person as subject)
✅Her silence betokens that she is upset.
💡Betoken is not normally used with a person as the grammatical subject; the subject should be a thing, event, or quality that serves as a sign.