be
to
ken
Third Person
betokens
Present Participle
betokening
Past Tense
betokened
Past Participle
betokened
1
to serve as a sign or warning that suggests or foretells a future event
transitive
- The sudden drop in barometric pressure can betoken an approaching storm.
- The dark clouds gathering on the horizon betokened an imminent downpour.
- A decline in economic indicators may betoken an impending recession.
- The distant rumble of thunder can betoken an approaching thunderstorm.
2
to serve as a clear signal, symptom, or indication of something
transitive
- The patient's elevated temperature may betoken the presence of a fever.
- A sudden increase in traffic on the roads can betoken the start of rush hour.
- The wilting of plants may betoken a lack of water and the need for immediate attention.
- A yellowing of the leaves can betoken a nutrient deficiency in the soil.
- A persistent cough can betoken an underlying respiratory infection or illness.