bekenen

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Inherited from Old English bēacnian and bīecnan. Equivalent to beken +‎ -en (infinitival suffix). In some forms, the -n- of the stem has been reanalysed as a infinitival suffix.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈbɛk(ə)nən/

Verb

bekenen

  1. To indicate soundlessly, especially using one's hands.
  2. To beckon; to indicate to come forwards.
  3. (rare) To indicate a specific object; to select.
  4. (rare) To blaze or flame.

Conjugation

Conjugation of bekenen (weak in -ed)
infinitive (to) bekenen, bekene
present tense past tense
1st-person singular bekene bekened
2nd-person singular bekenest bekenedest
3rd-person singular bekeneth bekened
subjunctive singular bekene
imperative singular
plural1 bekenen, bekene bekeneden, bekenede
imperative plural bekeneth, bekene
participles bekenynge, bekenende bekened, ybekened

1 Sometimes used as a formal 2nd-person singular.

Descendants

  • English: beckon; beck
  • Middle Scots: bekin

References