betook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Archaic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “betook” mean?
To have gone or caused oneself to go.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To have gone or caused oneself to go; to have directed one's course or efforts. The past tense of the archaic verb 'betake'.
Refers to the act of resorting to something, taking oneself to a place, or applying oneself to an action or course of behaviour in the past. It implies a deliberate or reflexive movement or commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The form is equally archaic in both varieties. Its last common usage in both predates significant regional divergence.
Connotations
Historical, quaint, literary, formal. May be used humorously to sound pompous or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern spoken or written English in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical novels or period dramas, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “betook” in a Sentence
[Subject] + betook + [reflexive pronoun] + to + [noun phrase (place/action)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “betook” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Disheartened, he betook himself to his club in St. James's.
- The villagers betook themselves to the cellars during the air raid.
American English
- The pioneer family betook themselves to the frontier.
- He betook himself to the library for a month of intense research.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis texts, quoting older sources.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would sound highly unusual.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “betook”
- Using it as a present tense verb (e.g., 'I betook').
- Omitting the reflexive pronoun (e.g., 'He betook to London' is incorrect; must be 'He betook himself to London').
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic. You will almost never hear it in modern conversation.
The present tense is 'betake', as in 'I betake myself'. However, 'betake' is also archaic. Modern equivalents are 'go', 'resort to', or 'take oneself'.
No. The construction is always 'betook + reflexive pronoun + to + something' (e.g., betook himself to bed).
Primarily for reading older English literature (Shakespeare, 19th-century novels) or understanding deliberate archaic usage in modern texts. It is not recommended for active use by learners.
To have gone or caused oneself to go.
Betook is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Betook: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈtʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈtʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “betook to his heels (fled)”
- “betook herself to her chamber”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a character in an old BOOK who 'BE-TOOK' (took himself) on a journey. It's a past action that 'took' place.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY AS COMMITMENT (He betook himself to a life of study). REFUGE AS MOVEMENT (They betook themselves to the mountains for safety).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'betook' most appropriately used today?