verb
betoken
bih-TOH-kun/bɪˈtəʊkən/
To be a sign of something.
The darkening clouds betoken a change in the weather.
Etymology
With be- attached to a verb meaning “signify,” betoken expressed being a visible sign or emblem. This also developed into giving evidence of something or foreshadowing what is to come.
In context
He continued speaking with those brief and panting jerks, which betoken deep internal convulsions.
More examples
- His sudden silence betokens unease.
- The cracked walls betokened years of neglect.
- Fresh footprints betoken a recent visitor.
Forms
betoken · betokens · betokened · betokening
Similar words
- indicate
- A more common, neutral term for serving as evidence.
- foretell
- Specifically points toward something that will happen later.