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Bespeak is a verb that can be used in various contexts with different meanings. In its most common definition, bespeak refers to the act of indicating or suggesting something, often through signs, actions, or words. It entails providing evidence or demonstrating a particular quality, characteristic, or trait. This connotation of bespeak often conveys the idea of conveying a message indirectly or symbolically.
Bespeak can also refer to requesting or ordering something in advance. In this sense, it is synonymous with "reserve" or "book." For instance, one may bespeak a ticket for a theater show or a seat at a restaurant. It implies making arrangements or securing the availability of something for a future time or occasion.
Additionally, bespeak can describe the act of declaring or manifesting a specific intention or purpose. It can indicate showing one's intention or demonstrating a course of action through speech, behavior, or appearance. For example, a confident demeanor and polished appearance may bespeak professionalism or competence.
Another meaning of bespeak relates to the act of giving an indication of future events or omens. It can signify predicting or foretelling something based on signs or indications. For instance, dark storm clouds bespeak an impending rain shower.
Overall, bespeak is a versatile verb that encompasses indicating, suggesting, reserving, declaring, manifesting, and predicting, depending on the context in which it is used.
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To speak for beforehand; to engage for a future time; to forebode; to show.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bespeak" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "be-" (indicating intensification or direction) and the verb "sprecan" (meaning "to speak"). In Middle English, the word evolved into "bispeken" or "bespeken", referring to the act of speaking for or on behalf of someone. Over time, its meaning expanded to include ordering or requesting something in advance, as seen in phrases like "bespeak a meal" or "bespeak a tailor". Today, "bespeak" is commonly used to indicate making a reservation, placing an order in advance, or indicating a certain quality or characteristic.
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have bespeaked (E); bespoken
you
would have bespeaked (E); bespoken
he/she/it
would have bespeaked (E); bespoken
we
would have bespeaked (E); bespoken
they
would have bespeaked (E); bespoken
I
would have bespeak
you
would have bespeak
he/she/it
would have bespeak
we
would have bespeak
they
would have bespeak
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been bespeaking
you
would have been bespeaking
he/she/it
would have been bespeaking
we
would have been bespeaking
they
would have been bespeaking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would bespeak
you
would bespeak
he/she/it
would bespeak
we
would bespeak
they
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CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be bespeaking
you
would be bespeaking
he/she/it
would be bespeaking
we
would be bespeaking
they
would be bespeaking
FUTURE
I
will bespeak
you
will bespeak
he/she/it
will bespeak
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will bespeak
they
will bespeak
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be bespeaking
you
will be bespeaking
he/she/it
will be bespeaking
we
will be bespeaking
they
will be bespeaking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have bespeaked (E); bespoken
you
will have bespeaked (E); bespoken
he/she/it
will have bespeaked (E); bespoken
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will have bespeaked (E); bespoken
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will have bespeaked (E); bespoken
I
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will have bespoken
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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been bespeaking
you
will have been bespeaking
he/she/it
will have been bespeaking
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will have been bespeaking
they
will have been bespeaking
IMPERATIVE
you
bespeak
we
let´s bespeak
to bespeak
PAST
I
bespoke
you
bespoke
he/she/it
bespoke
we
bespoke
they
bespoke
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was bespeaking
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were bespeaking
he/she/it
was bespeaking
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were bespeaking
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were bespeaking
PAST PARTICIPLE
bespeaked (E); bespoken
bespoken
PAST PERFECT
I
had bespeaked (E); bespoken
you
had bespeaked (E); bespoken
he/she/it
had bespeaked (E); bespoken
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had bespeaked (E); bespoken
they
had bespeaked (E); bespoken
I
had bespoken
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had bespoken
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had bespoken
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had bespoken
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been bespeaking
you
had been bespeaking
he/she/it
had been bespeaking
we
had been bespeaking
they
had been bespeaking
PRESENT
I
bespeak
you
bespeak
he/she/it
bespeaks
we
bespeak
they
bespeak
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am bespeaking
you
are bespeaking
he/she/it
is bespeaking
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are bespeaking
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PRESENT PARTICIPLE
bespeaking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have bespeaked (E); bespoken
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have bespeaked (E); bespoken
he/she/it
has bespeaked (E); bespoken
we
have bespeaked (E); bespoken
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have bespeaked (E); bespoken
I
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have bespoken
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been bespeaking
you
have been bespeaking
he/she/it
has been bespeaking
we
have been bespeaking
they
have been bespeaking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
bespeak
SIMPLE PAST
I
bespeaked (E); bespoke
you
bespeaked (E); bespoke
he/she/it
bespeaked (E); bespoke
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bespeaked (E); bespoke
they
bespeaked (E); bespoke
I
would have bespoken
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