verb
bespeak
bih-SPEEK/bɪˈspiːk/
To be a sign of something.
The muddy pawprints bespeak the cat's involvement in overturning the plant pot.
Etymology
The pieces mean “speak about.” In the selected sense, a thing figuratively speaks: a feature or action expresses something about its subject and thus serves as evidence of it.
More examples
- Her trembling voice bespeaks deep anxiety.
- The empty shelves bespoke an unexpected rush of customers.
- Their easy conversation bespeaks a long friendship.
Forms
bespeak · bespeaks · bespoke · bespoken · bespeaking