betoken

[bih-toh-kuhn]

betoken Definition

• 1. to be a sign of something; to indicate or suggest something
• 2. to signify or presage, as by a sign; to portend
• 3. to give evidence of; indicate

Using betoken: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "betoken" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The dark clouds betokened a storm.

• Example

  His silence betokened his agreement.

• Example

  The sudden drop in stock prices betokens an economic downturn.

betoken Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for betoken

• indicate
• signal
• denote
• signify
• represent

Antonyms for betoken

• conceal
• hide
• mask

Phrases with betoken

• betoken well for

  to indicate that something will be successful or positive

  Example

  The strong sales figures betoken well for the company's future.

• betoken ill for

  to indicate that something will be unsuccessful or negative

  Example

  The recent layoffs betoken ill for the company's financial health.

• betoken of

  to be a sign or indication of something

  Example

  The empty streets betokened of an impending storm.

Origins of betoken

from Middle English 'bitokenen', from Old English 'betācnian', from 'be-' + 'tācnian' ('to show')

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Summary: betoken in Brief

The verb 'betoken' [bih-toh-kuhn] means to indicate or suggest something, to signify or presage, or to give evidence of something. It is often used to describe signs or indications of future events, such as 'The dark clouds betokened a storm.' 'Betoken' can also be used in phrases like 'betoken well for' and 'betoken ill for,' which respectively indicate positive or negative outcomes.