beckon
/'bekən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To signal or summon someone using a gesture: To make a hand movement, nod, or other bodily sign to indicate that someone should come nearer or follow.
- To appear attractive or inviting: To seem appealing or to draw someone's interest, as if calling them.
Usage and Examples
- Verb (to summon):
- She beckoned me to her desk.
- The guard beckoned us forward with a quick nod.
- Verb (to appear inviting):
- The warm lights of the cottage beckoned from across the snowy field.
- Adventure beckons from beyond the horizon.
Advanced Usage
- "to beckon to someone": To make a beckoning gesture directed at a person.
- He stood at the door and beckoned to me silently.
- "to beckon someone over/in": To signal for someone to come to a specific location.
- The waiter beckoned us over to an empty table.
Variants and Related Words
- Beckoning (adj): Appearing attractive or inviting.
- The beckoning shores of a tropical island.
- Beckoner (n): One who beckons (less common).
Synonyms
- Signal: To communicate using a sign or gesture.
- Gesture: To make a movement, especially of the hands or head, to express an idea or meaning.
- Summon: To authoritatively call someone to be present.
Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Beckon forth: To call something into being or appearance (often figurative).
- The ritual was said to beckon forth ancient spirits.
- Beckon someone on/forward: To signal for someone to continue moving in a direction.
- Our guide beckoned us on through the narrow passage.
Related Idioms
- A beckoning finger: A gesture, often with the index finger, used to summon someone (can imply secrecy or conspiracy).
- He crooked a beckoning finger, and she leaned in to hear the secret.
- The future beckons: Used to say that exciting opportunities lie ahead.
- With her degree finished, a bright future beckons.
Verb
- summon with a wave, nod, or some other gesture
- appear inviting
- The shop window decorations beckoned
- signal with the hands or nod
- She waved to her friends
- He waved his hand hospitably