The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

beckon

verb

/ˈbɛk(ə)n/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of beckon

To signal or gesture to someone to come towards you, typically by using your hand or body language.
"Remote islands beckon explorers to uncover their wonders."

Detailed meaning of beckon

It is a way of inviting someone to approach or join you in a particular place or activity. This gesture is often used to get someone's attention or to indicate a desired action or direction. Beckoning can be done in a variety of ways, such as waving, nodding, or making a subtle movement with one's fingers. It is often used in social and professional situations, such as in a restaurant when a waiter beckons customers to their table or in a job interview when an employer beckons a candidate to enter the room. Overall, the act of beckoning is a nonverbal form of communication that can convey a range of messages and emotions.

Example sentences containing beckon

1. In a subtle move, she would beckon him closer whenever she felt the need to share a secret.
2. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stars began to beckon the night sky into existence.
3. With a sly smile, he would beckon her into the room whenever he had a surprise waiting.
4. The mystery of the unexplored cave seemed to beckon adventurers from around the world.
5. Her eyes seemed to beckon him, as if inviting him into a world only they could understand.
6. The aroma of freshly baked cookies seemed to beckon children from every corner of the neighborhood.

History and etymology of beckon

The verb 'beckon' has its etymology rooted in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'becenian,' which means 'to beckon' or 'to summon with a gesture.' This word is related to 'becnian,' meaning 'a sign or a beacon.' The etymology of 'beckon' thus encompasses the idea of signaling or summoning someone with a gesture, often using hand or body language to convey an invitation or request for them to come closer. The word has retained this fundamental sense throughout its evolution and remains a fundamental means of nonverbal communication, conveying an invitation or prompting action through gestures or signals.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb beckon:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of beckon

1. With a flick of her wrist, she would beckon the waiter to bring another round of drinks.
2. The allure of the open road never ceased to beckon him, fueling his insatiable wanderlust.
3. As the music started, the rhythm seemed to beckon everyone onto the dance floor.
4. At every twist and turn, the winding trail seemed to beckon us deeper into the wilderness.
5. From across the room, her smile seemed to beckon him to come and join the lively discussion.
6. The shimmering surface of the lake would beckon swimmers to dive into its refreshing depths.
7. As he walked past the bookstore, the titles on display seemed to beckon him inside.
8. The serenity of the quiet garden never failed to beckon her whenever she needed peace.
9. With the moonlight as a backdrop, the stage seemed to beckon the performers to give their best.
10. The scent of the sea seemed to beckon him every summer, urging him to return to the coast.
11. Through the mist, the outline of an ancient castle seemed to beckon us to explore its secrets.
12. With a wave of her hand, she would beckon the children to gather around for story time.
13. From the corner of his eye, the glow of the campfire seemed to beckon him toward warmth.
14. As the curtain lifted, the applause from the audience seemed to beckon the actors to the stage.
15. Whenever she wore that dress, it seemed to beckon attention and admiration from everyone.
16. With a nod, she would beckon her teammates to pass the ball, signaling an opportunity to score.
17. The sight of the majestic mountains in the distance continued to beckon him toward his goal.
18. At twilight, the soft glow of the street lamps seemed to beckon wanderers back home.
19. As the clock struck midnight, the allure of sleep began to beckon her to her cozy bed.
20. When she raised her hand, it would beckon the audience to settle down and pay attention.
21. The promise of untold riches seemed to beckon them into the labyrinthine depths of the cave.
22. During their games, he would beckon his dog by whistling, signaling it was time to return.
23. The smell of freshly brewed coffee would beckon him from his room each and every morning.
24. From the dock, the sight of the open water seemed to beckon him toward new adventures.