bethink: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, chiefly literary/archaic)Formal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “bethink” mean?
To remind (oneself) of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remind (oneself) of something; to consider, ponder, or reflect upon (a thought, idea, or course of action).
An archaic or literary verb meaning to come to think of something after reflection, to call to mind, or to take it into one's head to do something. Primarily used reflexively with 'oneself'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally archaic in both variants.
Connotations
Conveys an old-fashioned, poetic, or deliberately elevated tone.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken or written English in both regions. Might be slightly more encountered in British historical or liturgical texts, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “bethink” in a Sentence
V pron-refl (of n)V pron-refl thatV pron-refl wh-V pron-refl to-infVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bethink” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He bethought himself of a promise made long ago.
- I must bethink me of a suitable reply.
- She bethought herself that the shop would be closed.
American English
- He bethought himself of his grandfather's advice.
- I bethought me to check the map once more.
- They bethought themselves how they might escape.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or literary analysis discussing archaic language.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bethink”
- Using it non-reflexively (e.g., 'I bethink the idea').
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'rethink'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or literary. You will almost never hear it in everyday conversation.
Almost exclusively in the reflexive form 'bethink oneself (of something)', meaning to remember or consider something.
'Bethink' means to remind oneself or consider. 'Rethink' means to think about something again, often with the intention of changing one's opinion or plan. They are not synonyms.
Generally, no, unless you are specifically analyzing archaic language or quoting a historical source. Modern synonyms like 'consider', 'reflect on', or 'recall' are preferred.
To remind (oneself) of something.
Bethink is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Bethink: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈθɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈθɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bethink oneself (of something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BEing in a castle, where a knight might 'BEthink' himself of his duty before a quest. BE + THINK = to think deeply about oneself.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS TURNING (one's mind to something).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for the verb 'bethink'?