beholder
UK: bɪˈhəʊldə | US: bɪˈhoʊldər
n. one who sees or observes something; an observer
n. (archaic) a person who holds or possesses something
The word "beholder" combines the verb "behold" (from Old English behealdan, meaning "to hold in view, observe") with the agentive suffix "-er." Originally, "behold" itself was a compound of be- (intensive prefix) + healdan ("to hold"), suggesting the idea of "holding something in view." Over time, "beholder" evolved to specifically denote an observer, often with a connotation of deep or attentive perception. The term is famously used in the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," emphasizing subjectivity in perception.
The artist’s work left every beholder in awe.
As a beholder of nature’s wonders, she cherished every sunrise.
The old manuscript described the beholder of the treasure as a wise guardian.
In the debate, he acted as a neutral beholder rather than a participant.
The phrase reminds us that the beholder’s perspective shapes reality.