ENGLISH
REFERENCE

holden

v.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈhoʊɫdən// UK //hˈəʊldən// hold·en Archaic

v. the old way of saying 'held'. You might see this in very old books or religious texts to describe being kept or caught in a certain state.

v. the archaic past participle of 'hold'. Used primarily in literary or liturgical contexts to describe being bound, constrained, or maintained in a specific condition.


SIMPLE

The people were holden by a great fear.

CONTEXTUAL

In the ancient text, the king was described as being holden in high regard by all his subjects.

COMPLEX

The legal document, written in a style now long forgotten, stated that the parties were holden to the terms of the agreement until the debt was fully discharged.

Usage

Archaic past participle; replaced in modern English by 'held'. Often used with the preposition 'to' or 'by'.

Pitfall

He was holden the book.He was holding the book.'Holden' is a passive past participle, not a continuous form; it cannot replace 'holding'.

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