bedash: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareArchaic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “bedash” mean?
To spatter or dash something with liquid, mud, or other substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spatter or dash something with liquid, mud, or other substance.
Figuratively, to spoil or mar something, often an effort or appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference; the word is equally archaic in both variants.
Connotations
Poetic, antiquated, sometimes with a dramatic or humorous effect when used deliberately.
Frequency
Extremely low and almost nonexistent in contemporary usage in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bedash” in a Sentence
[NP-subj] bedash [NP-obj] with [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedash” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The passing lorry bedashed her new coat with muddy water.
- His fine speech was bedashed by the revelation of the facts.
American English
- The car bedashed the sidewalk with slush.
- The journalist's reputation was bedashed by the libel suit.
adverb
British English
- [No established adverbial form in use]
American English
- [No established adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- [No established adjectival form in use]
American English
- [No established adjectival form in use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedash”
- Using it in modern contexts where 'splash' or 'spatter' would be natural.
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The mud bedashed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or literary word and is very rarely used in modern English.
Yes, it can be used figuratively to mean to spoil or mar something, such as a reputation or hopes.
'Bedash' is a more specific and older term implying a thorough or complete splashing or spattering, often with a negative connotation of spoiling. 'Splash' is the common, neutral modern equivalent.
No, there is no standard noun form derived from 'bedash'. You would use 'splashing' or 'spattering'.
To spatter or dash something with liquid, mud, or other substance.
Bedash is usually archaic/literary in register.
Bedash: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈdæʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈdæʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this rare word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone getting a DASH of mud on their BED, or 'BEing DASHed' with water.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPOILING IS SPATTERING (e.g., 'The scandal bedashed his reputation').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest contemporary synonym for 'bedash'?