Beckon Meaning in English
word
ˈbɛkən
BEK-uhn
bˈɛkən
BEK-uhn
Definition
To make a movement with your hand or head to invite someone to come closer or to follow you. It can also mean to seem attractive or inviting.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in both literal and figurative senses. Common in stories or when inviting someone wordlessly. Usually followed by 'to' or 'over'. Figuratively, 'beckon' means something seems tempting ('The beach beckons'). More formal or literary than 'gesture' or 'wave'.
Spanish: llamar con la mano - hacer señasPortuguese (BR): chamar com a mão - acenarPortuguese (PT): chamar com a mão - acenarChinese (Simplified): 招手 - 示意Chinese (Traditional): 招手 - 示意Hindi: इशारे से बुलानाArabic: يُشير (ليدعُو) - يُلوِّح بيدهBengali: ইশারা করা - ডাক দেওয়াRussian: манить - подзывать (жестом)Japanese: 手招きする - 誘う (比喩的)Vietnamese: vẫy gọi - ra hiệuKorean: 손짓하다 - 유혹하다 (비유적)Turkish: işaret etmek - cezbetmekUrdu: اشارہ کرنا - لبھاناIndonesian: melambai - mengisyaratkan
Example Sentences
She beckoned to me from across the room.
basic
The teacher beckoned the students to come closer.
basic
Tom beckoned his dog to follow him.
basic
From the garden, the flowers seemed to beckon me outside.
natural
He didn't say a word, just beckoned me to follow down the hallway.
natural
Adventure seemed to beckon at every turn on our trip.
natural