bespread: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Archaic/LiteraryPoetic, archaic, literary. Extremely rare in modern everyday language.
Quick answer
What does “bespread” mean?
To spread or cover something completely, often with a layer of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spread or cover something completely, often with a layer of something.
To extend over or occupy a surface; to scatter or strew something over an area. Figuratively, it can mean to disseminate or make widely known.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as the word is equally archaic in both dialects.
Connotations
Evokes a classical, Shakespearean, or biblical tone. In modern use, it would be consciously stylistic.
Frequency
Virtually obsolete. Might appear in historical texts, poetry, or deliberately archaic modern writing.
Grammar
How to Use “bespread” in a Sentence
[surface] + be + bespread + with + [material]to bespread + [surface] + with + [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bespread” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The morning frost had bespread the meadow.
- He sought to bespread his fame across the land.
American English
- A fine dust bespread the old furniture.
- They aimed to bespread the doctrine through the colonies.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The bespread table awaited the guests.
- A bespread canopy of leaves provided shade.
American English
- The bespread frosting looked delicious.
- We admired the bespread tapestry on the wall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in literary analysis or historical linguistics discussions.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bespread”
- Using it in active voice in modern contexts (e.g., 'I will bespread the jam').
- Confusing it with the more common 'overspread'.
- Using it in non-literary contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or literary. You will almost never hear it in spoken English today.
'Bespread' is an older, more poetic intensive form of 'spread'. It emphasizes a complete, often ornamental, covering. 'Spread' is the neutral, modern term.
Grammatically yes, but it is exceedingly rare. It is most commonly found in the past participle form (e.g., 'was bespread').
For language learners, it is more important to recognize and understand this word when reading older literature than to try to use it in speech or writing.
To spread or cover something completely, often with a layer of something.
Bespread is usually poetic, archaic, literary. extremely rare in modern everyday language. in register.
Bespread: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsprɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsprɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none - word itself is idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BE completely SPREAD over' → BESPREAD.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVERING IS CLOTHING (e.g., 'The hills were bespread with a mantle of snow').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bespread' be MOST appropriate?