Definition

1. Verb:
   • To scatter small drops or particles of a liquid or fine substance lightly over a surface; to wet or cover something by sprinkling.

Usage

• The verb "besprinkle" is a somewhat literary or formal term. It describes the action of lightly distributing a liquid or fine solid (like powder) across an object or area. It often implies a gentle, scattered application.
• It is typically used with a direct object (what is sprinkled) and can be followed by "with" to indicate the substance being sprinkled.
• Grammatical Pattern: or .

Examples

• The priest will besprinkle the congregation with holy water.
• She besprinkled the cake with powdered sugar for decoration.
• The gardener besprinkled the seedlings with a fine mist.
• Early morning dew had besprinkled the spiderwebs in the garden.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Often used to describe a state resulting from the action.
  • The path was besprinkled with fallen cherry blossoms.
• Figurative/Literary Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe scattering non-physical things.
  • His speech was besprinkled with witty remarks and clever anecdotes.

Variants and Related Words

• Sprinkle (verb): A more common and direct synonym for "besprinkle."
• Asperse (verb): To sprinkle, but often with a connotation of scattering criticism or slander.
• Dust (verb): To cover lightly with a powdery substance.
• Strew (verb): To scatter things untidily over a surface, typically used for solid objects rather than liquids.
• Besprinkling (noun): The act or result of sprinkling.

Synonyms

• Sprinkle
• Spatter
• Drizzle
• Spray
• Dot
• Pepper (figurative, for solid particles)

Antonyms

• Drench
• Soak
• Flood
• Submerge

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To besprinkle with blessings: A poetic or religious phrase meaning to confer blessings liberally upon someone or something.
  • The elder sought to besprinkle the newlyweds with blessings for their future.

Verb

1. scatter with liquid; wet lightly
   • Sprinkle the lawn