beholden
UK: bɪˈhəʊldən | US: bɪˈhoʊldən
adj. owing thanks or having a duty to someone because of a favor or service received
adj. (archaic) bound by obligation; indebted
beholden = be<thoroughly> + hold<grasp> + en<past participle suffix>
- be-: A prefix from Old English bi-, meaning "thoroughly" or "about," intensifying the root.
- hold: From Old English healdan, meaning "to grasp, keep, or possess."
- -en: A past participle suffix in Middle English, now archaic but preserved in certain adjectives (e.g., "broken," "spoken").
Etymology Origin:
The word "beholden" originated in Middle English as the past participle of behold (to hold or observe). Over time, its literal sense of "being held" evolved metaphorically to mean "bound by obligation." The prefix be- emphasizes the completeness of the obligation, while -en marks its participial form. The term reflects a cultural emphasis on reciprocity and debt in feudal societies, where favors created binding ties.
She felt beholden to her mentor for guiding her career.
As a politician, he was beholden to his donors' interests.
The villagers were beholden to the lord for their land.
Modern ethics discourage being beholden to corporate sponsors.
(Archaic) "I am beholden to thee for thy kindness," the knight declared.