bespoken
/bi'spi:k/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Pledged to be married; engaged: Describes a person who has formally agreed to marry another.
- (Of clothing) Custom-made; made to order: Describes items, especially garments, that are made specifically for a particular customer according to their measurements or specifications.
Usage Examples
Adjective (Engaged):
- The bespoken couple announced their wedding date.
- She wore a ring, showing she was bespoken.
Adjective (Custom-made):
- He wore a bespoken suit that fit him perfectly.
- The shop specializes in bespoken furniture.
Advanced Usage
- "Bespoken for": This phrase can imply that something is already reserved, claimed, or not available because it is designated for a specific person or purpose.
- All the best seats in the theater were already bespoken for.
- Her time is completely bespoken for by her work and family commitments.
Variants and Related Words
- Bespoke (Adjective): The more common modern variant, especially in British English, primarily meaning "custom-made" (e.g., ). It can also imply high quality and individual tailoring.
- Bespoke (Verb, past tense of Bespeak): An archaic or formal verb meaning "to order or arrange in advance" or "to indicate."
- Bespeak (Verb): To be evidence of; to indicate. (e.g., ) This usage is now formal or literary.
Synonyms
- Engaged: Pledged to be married.
- Custom-made / Made-to-order / Tailor-made: Created according to the buyer's specifications.
- Reserved / Pre-ordered: Set aside or ordered in advance.
Notes on Usage
- The adjective "bespoken" is less common in contemporary English than its variant "bespoke." "Bespoke" is the standard term for custom-made goods, particularly in fashion (UK English). "Bespoken" is sometimes used interchangeably but may sound more archaic or formal.
- The meaning "engaged to be married" for "bespoken" is now considered very old-fashioned or poetic and is rarely used in modern conversation.
Adjective
-
pledged to be married
-
the engaged couple
-
-
(of clothing) custom-made
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
