besprinkle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low FrequencyLiterary/Formal/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “besprinkle” mean?
To sprinkle (something) all over with small drops or particles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To sprinkle (something) all over with small drops or particles.
To scatter something lightly over a surface; to adorn or dot something with many small items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English, as the word is rare in both. It is uniformly archaic/literary.
Connotations
In both, it connotes a decorative, gentle, or ritualistic scattering. Might be associated with ceremonial language (e.g., baptism, blessings) or ornate description.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage for both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in older British literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “besprinkle” in a Sentence
[Subject] besprinkle [Object] with [Substance][Subject] besprinkle [Substance] on/over [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besprinkle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will besprinkle the congregation with holy water.
- She besprinkled the cake with hundreds and thousands.
American English
- The ceremony required the elder to besprinkle the ground with cornmeal.
- He besprinkled the document with sand to dry the ink.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, religious, or literary studies discussing older texts.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besprinkle”
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'bespatter', which implies splashing with something dirty.
- Incorrectly forming the past tense as 'besprinkled' (correct) versus 'besprinkle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary. You will almost never hear it in everyday speech.
'Besprinkle' is a more formal, deliberate, and often poetic version of 'sprinkle'. It often implies covering a surface lightly with many small items. 'Sprinkle' is the standard, modern term.
Yes, the standard past tense and past participle is 'besprinkled'.
It might appear in the formal language of some older religious texts or rituals (e.g., 'besprinkle with holy water'), but even there, 'sprinkle' or 'asperge' are more common in contemporary usage.
To sprinkle (something) all over with small drops or particles.
Besprinkle is usually literary/formal/archaic in register.
Besprinkle: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsprɪŋk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsprɪŋkəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BE-SPRINKLE. To BE covered with a SPRINKLE of something.
Conceptual Metaphor
BLESSING IS A LIQUID THAT CAN BE SPRINKLED (e.g., 'besprinkle with holy water'). ADORNMENT IS SPRINKLING (e.g., 'besprinkle with glitter').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'besprinkle' MOST appropriately used?