betoken
UK: bɪˈtəʊkən | US: bɪˈtoʊkən
vt. to serve as a sign or indication of something
vt. to foreshadow or predict
vt. (archaic) to signify or represent symbolically
The word "betoken" originates from Old English betācnian, combining the prefix be- (intensifying or covering action) with tācn (token, sign). The prefix be- often adds a sense of "about" or "thoroughly," while token derives from Proto-Germanic taikną, meaning a visible mark or omen. Over time, "betoken" evolved to mean "to signify" or "to foreshadow," retaining its core idea of symbolic representation.
The dark clouds betoken an approaching storm.
Her sudden silence betokened disapproval.
In medieval art, a lily often betokens purity.
The ancient prophecy betokened a great upheaval.
His trembling hands betokened his nervousness.