becharm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very RareArchaic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “becharm” mean?
To charm, enchant, or fascinate someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To charm, enchant, or fascinate someone; to cast a spell upon.
To exert a delightful, often irresistible, influence or attraction over someone or something; to captivate completely, sometimes with a magical connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a literary, slightly antiquated, and perhaps formal or whimsical connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. If any modern use occurs, it is more likely in UK literary contexts due to the word's prevalence in older British poetry and prose, but this is a negligible distinction.
Grammar
How to Use “becharm” in a Sentence
Subject + becharm + Direct Object (e.g., She becharmed the king.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “becharm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old tale spoke of a witch who could becharm any man with a glance.
- Her performance in the Victorian melodrama utterly becharmed the critics.
American English
- The author used the archaic verb 'becharm' to give the fantasy novel an antique feel.
- He sought to becharm the electorate with his old-fashioned oratory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in literary analysis of historical texts.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “becharm”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'like' (e.g., 'I was becharmed by the film' – overly archaic).
- Misspelling as 'be-charm' or 'beecharm'.
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'He becharms easily' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic. Its primary use today is in historical or deliberately old-fashioned literary contexts.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Becharm' is simply an older, now obsolete form of the verb 'to charm.'
Yes, though it's rare. For example: 'The guests were utterly becharmed by the host's tales.'
For active vocabulary, no. For recognition (passive vocabulary), it is useful for advanced learners reading older English literature. In your own speech and writing, use 'charm,' 'enchant,' or 'captivate.'
To charm, enchant, or fascinate someone.
Becharm is usually archaic/literary in register.
Becharm: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈtʃɑːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈtʃɑrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this rare verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'To BE with CHARM' – to endow someone or something with charm, to make them be in a state of being charmed.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS MAGIC / INFLUENCE IS A SPELL (One becharms another as a magician casts a spell.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'becharm' be MOST appropriate today?