Definition

1. Verb:
   • To indicate or suggest something; to be a sign of: "bespeak" means to show evidence of a particular quality, fact, or feeling.
   • To order or arrange something in advance: "bespeak" means to request or engage something beforehand.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (to indicate):
• Verb (to order in advance):

Advanced Usage

• "to bespeak of": This phrasal construction is sometimes used to mean "to be evidence of" or "to tell of."

Variants and Related Words

• Bespoke (adj): Made to order; custom-made. This is the most common modern derivative.
• Bespoken (adj or past participle): Ordered or arranged in advance. (Less common than "bespoke").

Synonyms

• Indicate: to show, point out, or make known.
• Suggest: to imply or evoke the idea of.
• Betoken: to be a sign of; to indicate. (Formal)
• Order: to request something to be made, supplied, or served.

Different Meanings

1. Primary Modern Meaning (to indicate): The word is most frequently used to mean that something serves as a sign or evidence of a particular characteristic.
2. Secondary/Archaic Meaning (to order): This meaning, related to arranging something beforehand, is now less common and often found in formal or historical contexts.

Notes on Usage

• The past tense and past participle for the verb "bespeak" are typically bespoke and bespoken, though "bespoke" is also commonly used as a past participle, especially in adjectival form.
• In contemporary English, the verb "bespeak" is considered somewhat formal or literary when used to mean "indicate." The adjectival form "bespoke" is widely used, particularly in British English, to describe custom-made goods (e.g., bespoke tailoring, bespoke software).

Verb

1. express the need or desire for; ask for
   • She requested an extra bed in her room
   • She called for room service
2. be a signal for or a symptom of
   • These symptoms indicate a serious illness
   • Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
   • The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued