Pronunciation: /bɪˈtoʊkən/

Definitions of betoken

noun a sign or indication

Example Sentences

A1 The dark clouds betokened an incoming storm.

A2 The sudden drop in temperature betokened the arrival of winter.

B1 The red sky at night betokened good weather for the next day.

B2 The eerie silence in the forest betokened danger lurking nearby.

C1 The politician's speech betokened a shift in public opinion.

C2 The ancient ruins betokened a once great civilization.

verb to be a sign or indication of something

Example Sentences

A1 The dark clouds betoken a coming storm.

A2 In some cultures, a red sky at night betokens good weather the next day.

B1 The sudden drop in temperature betokened the arrival of winter.

B2 The eerie silence in the forest betokened danger lurking nearby.

C1 The old ruins betoken a rich history waiting to be uncovered.

C2 His nervous laughter betokened his discomfort in the situation.

Examples of betoken in a Sentence

formal The dark clouds betoken an incoming storm.

informal His sudden silence betokens trouble ahead.

slang Her raised eyebrow betokens her disbelief.

figurative The old ruins betoken a rich history waiting to be uncovered.

Grammatical Forms of betoken

past tense

betokened

plural

betoken

comparative

more betoken

superlative

most betoken

present tense

betokens

future tense

will betoken

perfect tense

have betokened

continuous tense

is betokening

singular

betokens

positive degree

betoken

infinitive

to betoken

gerund

betokening

participle

betokened

Origin and Evolution of betoken

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'betoken' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'betacnian' which means 'to signify or indicate'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'betoken' has retained its meaning of indicating or signifying something, but its usage has become less common in modern English compared to earlier periods.