# behold

/bɪˈhoʊɫd/ (US) · /bɪhˈəʊld/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/behold
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to look at or see something that is very impressive or beautiful. It is a more poetic way of saying 'look'.

For teachers: to observe or gaze upon something, typically of remarkable interest or impressive nature. Often carries a literary or archaic tone in modern usage.

## Examples

- Behold the beauty of the sunrise over the mountains.
- The travelers stood in silence to behold the ancient ruins for the first time.
- To behold the sheer scale of the cathedral is to understand the architectural ambition of the era, as every stone seems to defy the gravity of its own weight.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it is rarely used in casual conversation, appearing mostly in literature or formal oratory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.