1 betoken | Definition of betoken
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betoken

verb
be·​to·​ken | \ bi-ˈtō-kən How to pronounce betoken (audio) , bē-\
betokened; betokening\ bi-​ˈtōk-​niŋ How to pronounce betokening (audio) , -​ˈtō-​kə-​ , bē-​ \

Definition of betoken

transitive verb

1 : to typify beforehand : presage
2 : to give evidence of : show
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about betoken

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Examples of betoken in a Sentence

the humor in his writing is never cruel, and betokens a warm and compassionate heart

Recent Examples on the Web

 Banks employ armies of people in back offices, looking for discrepancies that may betoken fraud or honest error. — The Economist, "The digitisation of trade’s paper trail may be at hand," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'betoken.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of betoken

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for betoken

betoken

verb
How to pronounce betoken (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of betoken

formal : to show (something) : to be a sign of (something)

See the full definition for betoken in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on betoken

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with betoken

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for betoken

Spanish Central: Translation of betoken

Nglish: Translation of betoken for Spanish Speakers

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