beacon
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbiːkən/
KK: /ˈbiːkən/
noun
Definition
A device or signal that helps guide or warn people, often used in navigation, like a lighthouse or a radio transmitter.
Example
The lighthouse served as a beacon for ships approaching the shore.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a beacon shining at night?
Yeah, I saw one when we went to the coast last summer!
They really are beautiful and so helpful for ships.
Totally! It's like a guiding light for them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
signal
guidance
lighthouse
Antonyms
obscurity
confusion
misdirection
transitive verb
Definition
To shine or signal like a guiding light, often used to help others find their way.
Example
The lighthouse beacon guided the ships safely to shore.
Tense Forms
Past: beaconed
Past Participle: beaconed
Conversation
I really admire how that lighthouse beacons to ships at night.
Yeah, it must be comforting for sailors to see it from afar.
Exactly! It’s like a guiding light when they’re lost at sea.
Root Explanation
Beacon → The word 'beacon' originates from Old English 'beacn', meaning a signal or a sign. It refers to a source of light or a signal used to guide or warn.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'signal' or 'sign' that guides you — that's what a beacon does.
Visually Confused Words
bacon
deacon
bracon
beckon
bacony
subdeacon
bean