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Glite Dictionary
to bethink

to bethink

1 9.9
To think about something carefully or remind yourself of it
  • verb
  • /bɪˈθɪŋk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : reflexionar
  • Before making a final decision, you should bethink yourself of all the possible consequences.

Examples

  • If you bethink yourself of any crime... ...unreconciled to heaven, solicit for it straight.

    Othello (1995)

  • "But in that evolution, catching sight of the nearing black hull of the ship, "seemingly seeing in it the source of all his persecutions, "bethinking it, it may be a larger and nobler foe.

    Warrior (2011)

  • But as yet, I swear, I cannot truly say how I came here; but, as I think-- for truly would I speak, and now do I bethink me, so it is--

    Return with Honor (1999)

  • KEN: I know what I'll bethinking.

    Another Year (2010)

  • 'Twas bravely done, if you bethink you of it.

    Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

  • If you bethink yourself of any crime unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,... ...solicit for it straight.

    Do Not Forget Me Istanbul (2012)

  • Bethink you.

    Romeo + Juliet (1996)

  • If I mention this, it is only that those inclined to sneer at such pastimes might bethink themselves.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • And if one should ask how they can enjoy the meal with nasturtium for their only condiment and water for their only drink, let him bethink himself how sweet barley bread and wheat can taste.

    Blog text (31)

  • Deciding to kill his wife, Othello sees Desdemona half-asleep and first suggests, "If you bethink yourself of any crime / Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, / Solicit for it straight" (5.2.28-30).

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

to remember
vsto bethink
∞ 1.0

To keep something in your mind so you do not forget it

is a deliberate self-reminder involving careful thought rather than quick memory
to think of
vsto bethink
∞ 1.0

Keep a person or thing in your mind when making plans

is a deliberate self-reminder focusing on careful thought rather than listing options
to keep in mind
vsto bethink
240 3.0

To remember something when making decisions or thinking about it

is a careful self-reminder not limited to decision contexts
to recall
vsto bethink
5 3.4

Bring someone's attention back from daydreaming

is a deliberate self-reminder rather than a thought returned by outside cues

How Carefully

to ruminate
10 7.6
to ponder
134 4.3
to consider
∞ 1.1
to bethink
  • Archaic
1 9.9
to recall
∞ 2.4
to remember
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

bethink infinitive
bethinking present participle
bethinks third person singular
bethought past
bethought past participle

Morphology

bethink = think (semi-transparent) = be + think

The verb is formed by the productive prefix 'be-' plus 'think', but the exact sense 'bethink (oneself)' = 'remember/consider' is somewhat archaic and not fully predictable for average learners.

Etymology

Bethink is made of the little word part be- plus the familiar verb think, where be- meant 'about' or 'thoroughly'. So bethink means to 'think about' or 'remind yourself', which is why it is used for carefully remembering or considering something.