Definition

Verb: - To go to a place; to proceed or direct oneself to a particular location. It is a formal, literary, or somewhat archaic verb meaning to move from one's current position to another.

Usage

This verb is used reflexively ("betake oneself") and is followed by the preposition "to" to indicate the destination. It is used in formal writing or speech to describe the act of going somewhere, often with a sense of purpose or deliberation.

Examples

• After the meeting, he betook himself to the library to study.
• She decided to betake herself to the countryside for a period of quiet reflection.
• The pilgrims betook themselves to the sacred temple.

Advanced Usage

• The verb is almost exclusively used in the past tense ("betook oneself"). Its present tense form ("betake oneself") is very rare in modern usage.
• It often carries a connotation of removing oneself to a place for a specific reason, such as refuge, solitude, or duty.

Variants and Related Words

• Betake (verb): The non-reflexive form is obsolete. The modern usage is only in the reflexive phrase "betake oneself."

Synonyms

• Repair (to): To go to or betake oneself (e.g., ).
• Proceed (to): To move forward, especially toward a place.
• Withdraw (to): To go to a place for privacy or shelter.

Notes

• "Betake oneself" is considered formal and is rarely used in everyday contemporary English. More common alternatives include "go," "proceed," "head," or "retire."

Verb

1. displace oneself; go from one location to another