What does bethink mean?
Bethink is a literary English verb meaning to call to mind, recall, or reflect upon something. It is nearly always used reflexively — one "bethinks oneself of" a memory, a duty, or an idea — and it carries a distinctly old-fashioned, elevated tone that evokes the prose of Shakespeare, Milton, and other early writers. In its rarer sense it can mean to remind oneself or resolve to do something after consideration. The word is formed from the prefix "be-" plus "think", and belongs to a small family of archaic "be-" verbs (like "become" and "befall") that once flourished in English but have mostly faded. Today "bethink" appears mainly in historical fiction, poetry, or deliberately ornate writing; using it in ordinary conversation would strike most listeners as quaint. For readers and writers, however, it remains a precise and elegant alternative to "remember" when a touch of antiquity is wanted.
verbTo bethink oneself is to recall, reflect upon, or turn one's thoughts to something; in older usage it can also mean to remind oneself to do something. The word is chiefly literary and now somewhat archaic.
- (with reflexive pronoun, usually 'oneself') to recall or call to mind; to reflect upon
- (archaic) to remind oneself to do something; to resolve after reflection
"She paused at the gate, and bethought herself of the promise she had made years before."
"He bethought himself of an old friend who might help."
"The travellers bethought themselves of shelter as the storm gathered."
Shakespeare loved "bethink" — and so did Milton — but if you drop it in conversation today, expect a few raised eyebrows.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bethink
Bethink derives from Old English "beþencan", combining the prefix "be-" with the root of "think". The Germanic root behind both "think" and "thank" is shared across the family, which is why "thank" and "think" feel related. The verb was common through Middle English and remained current in Early Modern English, appearing frequently in Shakespeare and the King James Bible, before gradually falling out of everyday use and surviving mainly as a literary archaism.
How bethink is actually used
Almost always used with a reflexive pronoun ("bethink oneself") in formal or deliberately archaic prose. In everyday speech it sounds stilted or humorous; modern writers use it mainly for period flavour.
Easily confused with bethink
"Beseek" is a rare, largely obsolete verb meaning to seek or ask for, whereas "bethink" concerns turning one's mind to something rather than seeking it.
"Rethink" is a common modern verb meaning to think about something again in order to change one's view, while "bethink" is an archaic literary verb meaning simply to call something to mind.