perpend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (extremely rare/archaic/literary)Literary, archaic, highly formal; technical in masonry.
Quick answer
What does “perpend” mean?
To think carefully and deeply.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To think carefully and deeply; to ponder, consider, or reflect.
1. To think carefully about something before making a decision. 2. (Archaic/technical, masonry) A large stone or brick that passes through a wall, binding it together (as a noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties treat the verb as equally archaic/literary. The noun sense (masonry) is technical and used in both.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of deep, solemn, or scholarly reflection. No significant regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken or written English in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “perpend” in a Sentence
[Subject] perpend [Direct Object] (e.g., I shall perpend your words).[Subject] perpend on/about/upon [Indirect Object] (archaic, e.g., He sat to perpend upon his fate).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “perpend” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I advise you to perpend this warning before you act.
- The judge will perpend the evidence before sentencing.
American English
- He took a moment to perpend the proposal's implications.
- The committee must perpend the ethical dimensions carefully.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, but possible in literary criticism or philosophy when discussing historical texts.
Everyday
Never used; would sound odd and pretentious.
Technical
Used in masonry/construction for a through-stone (noun).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “perpend”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “perpend”
- Using it in casual conversation.
- Misspelling as 'prepend'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'understand' rather than 'consider'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or highly literary in modern English.
Yes, but only in the specific technical field of masonry, where it refers to a stone that passes through a wall from one side to the other.
They are synonyms, but 'perpend' is much more formal, archaic, and carries a connotation of more serious, deliberate contemplation.
For most learners, it is a word to recognise passively, especially in older literature. Using it actively in speech or writing will likely sound unnatural or pretentious.
To think carefully and deeply.
Perpend is usually literary, archaic, highly formal; technical in masonry. in register.
Perpend: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈpɛnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /pərˈpɛnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mark my words and perpend them well.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PERson PENning Down serious thoughts, i.e., to PERPEND.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS WEIGHING (to perpend is to carefully weigh a matter in the mind).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'perpend' most likely to be used correctly today?