| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| bespeak (v.) |
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| has these principal parts: bespeak, bespoke, and bespoken and bespoke. The verb has three current Standard meanings: (1) “to reserve beforehand,” as in Our cottage is bespoken, (2) “to show or indicate,” as in His calluses bespeak manual labor, and (3) “to point to, suggest, or promise,” as in Her smile bespeaks real warmth and friendliness. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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