beckon
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈbɛkən/
KK: /ˈbɛkən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a gesture that invites someone to come closer or to follow.
Example
She beckoned him to come over and join the conversation.
Tense Forms
Past: beckoned
Past Participle: beckoned
Conversation
Look at that beautiful sunset; it really seems to beckon us outside.
It does! We should definitely go for a walk.
Yeah, the colors are so inviting, almost like they're calling us.
Exactly! Let's grab our jackets and head out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
summon
invite
gesture
Antonyms
repel
dissuade
dismiss
noun
Definition
A gesture made to signal someone to come closer or to attract their attention.
Example
She gave a beckon to her friend to join her at the table.
Conversation
Did you see her beckon us over to the table?
Yeah, I thought she wanted to tell us something important.
I wonder what she wanted to discuss with us.
transitive verb
Definition
To signal someone to come closer or to attract someone with a gesture or appearance.
Example
She beckoned him to come over and join the conversation.
Tense Forms
Past: beckoned
Past Participle: beckoned
Conversation
Look at that beautiful beach; it really beckons us to relax.
I know, right? The sun and the waves look so inviting.
We should definitely go for a swim; it just beckons me to dive in.
Root Explanation
Beckon → The word originates from Old English 'beacnian', meaning to signal or summon. It describes the action of signaling someone to come closer or follow.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone signaling or summoning you to come closer — that's what beckon means.
Visually Confused Words
reckon
beacon