bemire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObsoleteLiterary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “bemire” mean?
To cover or soil with mud or dirt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cover or soil with mud or dirt.
Figuratively, to involve in or tarnish with something degrading, sordid, or unpleasant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference; the word is equally obsolete and unused in both varieties.
Connotations
In historical usage, carries a connotation of being bogged down or made unclean, both physically and morally.
Frequency
Effectively zero in both contemporary British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bemire” in a Sentence
[SVO] (The cart bemired the road)[SV] (We bemired in the swamp)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bemire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hikers were thoroughly bemired after the downpour.
- He did not wish to bemire his hands with the sordid business.
American English
- Their wagon got completely bemired on the muddy trail.
- The scandal threatened to bemire the politician's clean record.
adjective
British English
- The bemired lane was almost impassable.
- He returned from the fields, his boots bemired and heavy.
American English
- They struggled through the bemired roads after the storm.
- Her bemired dress was a testament to the difficult journey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Rarely, if ever, in contemporary texts; may appear in historical literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bemire”
- Using it as a synonym for modern 'besmirch' in everyday contexts.
- Attempting to use it in contemporary speech or writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or literary and is very rarely used in contemporary speech or writing.
Yes, historically it could be used figuratively to mean 'to sully or tarnish', as in a reputation, but this usage is now obsolete.
It is primarily a transitive verb, though its past participle 'bemired' can function as an adjective.
For active vocabulary, no. It is only useful for passive recognition when reading older literary or historical texts.
To cover or soil with mud or dirt.
Bemire is usually literary / archaic in register.
Bemire: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈmaɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈmaɪɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of being MIREd (stuck in mud) and the prefix BE- meaning 'completely' → to be completely mired in mud.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION IS DIRT / DIFFICULTY IS BEING STUCK IN MUD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'bemire' be LEAST appropriate?