behold
verb (transitive)
UK/bɪˈhəʊld/US/bɪˈhoʊld/
To see or observe, especially something remarkable or impressive; to look upon with attention or admiration.
Example Sentences
Behold the beauty of the sunrise as it paints the sky with vibrant colors.
Tourists flock here to behold the ancient ruins, eager to step back in time.
Please behold the intricate details of this handcrafted sculpture.
They stood on the observation deck to behold the panoramic city skyline below.
With careful planning, anyone can behold the stunning Northern Lights, an otherworldly display of nature's luminescence.
Attendees at the gala paused to behold the breathtaking centerpiece, a towering floral arrangement illuminated by softly glowing lights.
As the curtains parted, the audience rose collectively to behold the grandeur of the lavish stage, where every prop and backdrop sparkled with remarkable artistry in perfect harmony.
He often ventured into remote corners of the countryside, wishing to behold untouched landscapes and embrace the awe-inspiring tranquility absent from crowded urban life.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To look upon something with a sense of wonder or focused attention.“Behold” is typically used as a verb meaning “to see,” often highlighting surprise, awe, or importance in what’s being observed. In older or more formal/literary contexts, “behold” can add dramatic flair when introducing a sight or revelation—e.g., “Behold, the dawn of a new day!” Even though it’s less common in modern everyday speech, “behold” still appears in religious, poetic, or ceremonial language (like “Behold the Lamb of God”). It can also lend an antique or grandiose tone if you want to present something as extraordinary. When you employ “behold,” you’re essentially telling your audience to pause, look carefully, and take note of something significant. Because of this heightened emphasis, “behold” works best in settings where you need a slightly theatrical or formal way to direct attention—like storytelling, announcements, or majestic descriptions.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives without the archaic weight of “behold,” you can opt for “look at,” “observe,” or “see.” These simpler terms suit everyday conversation, albeit with less grandeur. For a slightly more dramatic effect, you might say “gaze upon,” which also implies a contemplative or admiring glance. “Witness” can convey formality and seriousness, especially if you’re referencing an event or phenomenon of note—“Witness the rising of a new era.” Meanwhile, “take in” feels casual, placing an emphasis on absorbing the experience: “Take in the beautiful view.” Each substitute captures the idea of looking, but with different tones, so pick according to the level of flourish or formality you need.
Writing
When using “behold” in writing, consider how it shapes the reader’s expectations. In a narrative or literary work, “behold” can amplify the drama or significance of a moment—“Behold the majestic castle on the hill.” Its older connotation might help set a historical or biblical atmosphere. However, in technical documents or modern casual prose, “behold” might appear out of place. If you’re producing a formal speech or presenting an awe-inspiring reveal, “behold” can serve as a rhetorical device to capture attention and set a solemn or celebratory mood. For instance, “Behold: Our latest invention that will transform the industry.” Just ensure the surrounding language matches the elevated tone; otherwise, “behold” can seem jarring or pretentious. If you’re going for humor, you can ironically use “behold” to poke fun at an ordinary item, like “Behold, the humble stapler, tireless hero of office paperwork.” This playful approach subverts the term’s lofty tone for comedic effect.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “behold” sounds archaic or overly dramatic, so it’s used sparingly. You might ironically exclaim, “Behold! My new haircut,” to create a humorous vibe, or if you’re goofing around with friends, “Behold this glorious pizza—feast your eyes!” People typically default to “look,” “check it out,” or “take a look at this” for casual discussions. If you do say “behold” without comedic intent, it can come across as pompous or tongue-in-cheek, which might raise an eyebrow or two. So if your goal is to sound natural in everyday speech, consider sticking with simpler alternatives. However, if you enjoy playful language or want a moment of theatrical flair in your casual chat, throwing in a “behold” can lighten the mood with a humorous or mock-grandiose twist. Context matters: reading the room (or the chat) will tell you whether “behold” will delight or perplex your audience.
Etymology
“Behold” merges “be” (a standard Old English prefix/enclitic adding emphasis) with “hold” (from Old English “healdan,” meaning ‘to keep, watch, or observe’). In early Germanic usage, the combined sense was to “thoroughly look or keep watch.” Over centuries, “behold” became a hallmark of biblical, literary, and ceremonial language, underscoring a moment where the speaker insists the audience pay special attention. Although modern English has mostly replaced it with plain verbs like “see” or “look,” “behold” persists in stylized or historical contexts, retaining that flavor of grand unveiling or lofty command. Hence, it’s often found in classic texts, scripture translations, and lofty proclamations, bridging contemporary language and its older roots that emphasize pointed observation.