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to behold

to behold

131 7.6
To see something impressive, like a beautiful view or event
  • verb
  • /bɪˈhoʊld/
  • Archaic
translation icon : contemplar
  • When the curtain rose, the audience gasped as they beheld the stunning performance on stage.
  • a sight to behold
  • lo and behold
  • beautiful sight to behold

Just wait to behold the wonders of this product.

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Examples

Synonyms

to see
vsto behold
1.0

To notice something with your eyes

focuses on remarkable or impressive appearance rather than simple sight
to witness
vsto behold
653 3.0

To see or be present at an event as it happens

focuses on seeing remarkable or impressive things rather than mere presence
to observe
vsto behold
619 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

notes a thing's impressiveness rather than studying it to learn
to regard
vsto behold
241 3.2

To look at someone or something carefully

notices remarkable quality rather than only close neutral attention
to lay eyes on
vsto behold
  • Informal
59 3.7

To see someone or something for the first time after a long time

highlights the thing's impressiveness rather than first or rare encounters
to catch sight
vsto behold
16 3.0

To see something for a short time, usually by chance

emphasizes the object's impressiveness rather than mere quick accidental glimpses
to catch sight of
vsto behold
15 2.4

To see someone or something suddenly and for a short time

focuses on seeing the object's impressiveness rather than brief accidental sighting
to watch in awe
vsto behold
2 3.6

To look at something with strong admiration and surprise

focuses on the thing's impressiveness rather than the viewer's emotion

Antonyms

1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

Idioms

Something very beautiful or impressive to see

How Visible

to behold
  • Archaic
131 7.6
to observe
619 2.4
to see
1.0
to notice
1.0
glimpse
69 3.2

Surface Forms

behold infinitive
beholding present participle
beholds third person singular
beheld past
beheld past participle

Morphology

behold = hold (opaque) = be + hold

Although historically formed from 'be' + 'hold', the modern meaning 'to see' is not predictable from 'hold' for an average learner.

Etymology

The word behold comes from old English parts be- and hold, where hold meant 'to keep' and the image was 'to hold in your sight'. So, to behold something is to look at or observe it, especially when it is impressive or surprising.