Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Prefix be- Words

becoming (adjective) /bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ/
Definition: Suitable, appropriate, or attractive in a particular context or situation.
Example Sentence: "The young actress wore a becoming dress that accentuated her natural beauty."
Synonyms: appropriate; apt; attractive; decorous; fetching; fitting
Opposite Meaning: unsuitable

bedazzle (verb) /bɪˈdæzl/
Definition: To impress or dazzle someone with something that is visually stunning or strikingly beautiful.
Example Sentence: "The acrobats bedazzle the crowd with their aerial stunts and vibrant costumes."
Synonyms: amaze; astonish; astound; awe; bewilder; confound
Opposite Meaning: repel

bedeck (verb) /bɪˈdɛk/
Definition: To adorn or decorate something or someone elaborately, often with a variety of decorative elements.
Example Sentence: "The Christmas tree was bedecked with colorful ornaments and twinkling lights."
Synonyms: adorn; array; beautify; deck; decorate; dress
Opposite Meaning: strip

bedevil (verb) /bɪˈdɛvəl/
Definition: To torment, harass, or cause trouble to someone or something persistently.
Example Sentence: "The company's financial troubles continue to bedevil its management."
Synonyms: bother; disturb; frustrate; haunt; hound; irritate
Opposite Meaning: bless

beehive (noun) /ˈbiˌhaɪv/
Definition: A structured dwelling or container specifically designed for honeybees.
Example Sentence: "The beehive was surrounded by vibrant flowers, attracting more bees to its vicinity."
Synonyms: apiary; box; colony; compartment; dwelling; hive
Opposite Meaning: desert

befitting (adjective) /bɪˈfɪtɪŋ/
Definition: Suitable or appropriate for a particular situation, context, or individual.
Example Sentence: "The lavish party was befitting of a royal celebration."
Synonyms: acceptable; adequate; apposite; becoming; decorous; fitting
Opposite Meaning: unsuitable

befuddle (verb) /bɪˈfʌd l/
Definition: To cause someone to become confused, perplexed, or bewildered.
Example Sentence: "The puzzling riddle managed to befuddle everyone at the party."
Synonyms: baffle; bamboozle; bewilder; confound; confuse; disconcert
Opposite Meaning: clarify

beget (verb) /bɪˈɡɛt/
Definition: To cause, produce or create something, especially a child or descendant.
Example Sentence: "The mythological creature was known to beget offspring with magical powers."
Synonyms: bring; catalyze; cause; engender; generate; induce
Opposite Meaning: destroy

begrudge (verb) /bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/
Definition: To feel resentment or bitterness towards someone who has something that one desires.
Example Sentence: "Some people might begrudge her the award, thinking she didn't deserve it."
Synonyms: begrime; covet; crave; desire; despise; envy
Opposite Meaning: celebrate

beguile (verb) /bɪˈɡʌɪl/
Definition: To charm, captivate, or deceive someone through artful persuasion or manipulation.
Example Sentence: "She uses her charm to beguile her way into the most exclusive events."
Synonyms: allure; attract; captivate; delight; enchant; enrapture
Opposite Meaning: bore

behavior (noun) /bɪˈheɪv yər/
Definition: The way individuals or organisms act, conduct themselves, or respond to stimuli in a given situation.
Example Sentence: "The psychologist studied the behavior of social groups to uncover patterns of interaction."
Synonyms: actions; attitude; bearing; conduct; demeanor; deportment
Opposite Meaning: inaction

behemoth (noun) /bɪˈhiːmɒθ/
Definition: A large and powerful company, organization, or entity that exerts significant influence and control in its industry or field.
Example Sentence: "The financial behemoth has a significant impact on the global economy."
Synonyms: beast; colossus; dinosaur; giant; leviathan; mammoth
Opposite Meaning: minnow

behold (verb) /bɪˈhoʊld/
Definition: To see or observe something, often with a sense of wonder or admiration.
Example Sentence: "He went to the top of the mountain to behold the cityscape from above."
Synonyms: contemplate; detect; discern; gaze; notice; observe
Opposite Meaning: ignore

belated (adjective) /bɪˈleɪ tɪd/
Definition: Occurring, happening, or received later than expected, customary, or appropriate.
Example Sentence: "A belated thank-you note arrived long after the wedding gifts were opened."
Synonyms: behindhand; deferred; delayed; delinquent; late; overdue
Opposite Meaning: punctual

beleaguer (verb) /bɪˈliːɡə/
Definition: To surround, besiege, or harass a person, place, or group persistently, typically with the intention of causing distress, exhaustion, or disruption.
Example Sentence: "The army continues to beleaguer the enemy stronghold."
Synonyms: assault; attack; badger; beset; bother; gnaw
Opposite Meaning: aid

belie (verb) /bɪˈlʌɪ/
Definition: To give a false or contradictory impression, often by concealing or misrepresenting the true nature, character, or circumstances of something.
Example Sentence: "His affable nature can sometimes belie his sharp, critical mind."
Synonyms: conceal; disguise; distort; falsify; feign; hide
Opposite Meaning: reveal

belittle (verb) /bɪˈlɪtl/
Definition: To speak or act in a way that diminishes the importance, value, or worth of someone or something.
Example Sentence: "You shouldn't belittle someone's opinion just because it differs from yours."
Synonyms: degrade; denigrate; deprecate; deride; detract; discredit
Opposite Meaning: praise

belligerent (adjective) /bɪˈlɪdʒ(ə)rənt/
Definition: Aggressive, confrontational, and quick to to argue or fight.
Example Sentence: "He is a beligerant young man who often gets into scuffles in bars."
Synonyms: aggressive; antagonistic; bellicose; combative; confrontational; contentious
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

belonging (noun) /bɪˈlɔŋ ɪŋ/
Definition: A sense of ownership, attachment, or connection to a person, group, place, or object.
Example Sentence: "The national anthem sung by the crowd at the stadium created a powerful sense of belonging to the nation."
Synonyms: acceptance; affinity; association; attachment; community; connection
Opposite Meaning: alienation

bemoan (verb) /bɪˈməʊn/
Definition: To express sorrow or regret for something, usually in a loud or dramatic way.
Example Sentence: "Parents often bemoan the lack of communication with their teenagers."
Synonyms: bewail; cry; fuss; grieve; groan; grumble
Opposite Meaning: celebrate

bemuse (verb) /bɪˈmyuz/
Definition: To cause someone to feel confused, puzzled, or bewildered.
Example Sentence: "The complex math problem seemed to bemuse the entire class."
Synonyms: amaze; astound; bewilder; confound; confuse; dumbfound
Opposite Meaning: clarify

bemused (adjective) /bɪˈmyuzd/
Definition: Mild confusion, bewilderment, or thoughtful contemplation, often marked by a sense of amusement or puzzlement.
Example Sentence: "The bemused expression on his face suggested he couldn't grasp the concept."
Synonyms: astonished; astounded; befuddled; befuddlement; bewildered; confounded
Opposite Meaning: clear

benign (adjective) /bɪˈnʌɪn/
Definition: Gentle, kind, and harmless in nature, without the intention or capability to cause harm or damage.
Example Sentence: "The benign tumor was removed during the surgery."
Synonyms: curable; harmless; healthy; innocent; innocuous; inoffensive
Opposite Meaning: harmful

bequeath (verb) /bɪˈkwiːð/
Definition: To leave something, typically property or assets, to someone in a will or testament.
Example Sentence: "He decided to bequeath his estate to his children."
Synonyms: bestow; commit; confer; deliver; endow; entrust
Opposite Meaning: disinherit

berate (verb) /bɪˈreɪt/
Definition: To scold or criticize someone severely, often in a harsh or abusive manner.
Example Sentence: "The politician used his speech to berate his opponents."
Synonyms: castigate; censure; chide; condemn; excoriate; rebuke
Opposite Meaning: praise

bereave (verb) /bɪˈriv/
Definition: To be deprived or robbed of something or someone that holds great significance or brings immense joy.
Example Sentence: "Natural disasters often bereave families of their homes and possessions."
Synonyms: bankrupt; deprive; dispossess; divest; grieve; impoverish
Opposite Meaning: comfort

bereft (adjective) /bɪˈrɛft/
Definition: Deprived or lacking in a particular quality, possession, or emotion, typically due to a loss or absence.
Example Sentence: "It was a dull storyline and completely bereft of imagination."
Synonyms: bankrupt; deficient; devoid; lacking; robbed; stripped
Opposite Meaning: endowed

berserk (adjective) /bə(ː)ˈzəːk/
Definition: Uncontrolled, violent, and frenzied behavior, often driven by extreme anger, madness, or irrationality.
Example Sentence: "She went berserk when she found out her flight was canceled."
Synonyms: amok; crazy; enraged; frantic; frenzied; haywire
Opposite Meaning: calm

beseech (verb) /bɪˈsitʃ/
Definition: To implore or beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something or give something.
Example Sentence: "The protesters beseech the mayor to address their concerns."
Synonyms: appeal; ask; conjure; entreat; importune; petition
Opposite Meaning: spurn

beset (verb) /bɪˈsɛt/
Definition: To be constantly plagued or troubled by difficulties, problems, or obstacles.
Example Sentence: "The project was beset by delays due to unforeseen complications."
Synonyms: afflict; badger; bedevil; besiege; bother; entangle
Opposite Meaning: free

beside (preposition) /bɪˈsaɪd/
Definition: Indicating the position of one object or person in close proximity or alongside another.
Example Sentence: "The cat curled up beside the fireplace to keep warm."
Synonyms: abutting; adjacent; alongside; bordering; near; neighboring
Opposite Meaning: apart

besiege (verb) /bɪˈsiʤ/
Definition: To surround and blockade a place, typically a city or fortress, with the intent of forcing those inside to surrender.
Example Sentence: "The army began to besiege the city, cutting off all supply lines."
Synonyms: assail; attack; barricade; beleaguer; confine; encircle
Opposite Meaning: liberate

besmirch (verb) /bɪˈsmɜrtʃ/
Definition: To tarnish or sully someone's reputation by spreading false or damaging information.
Example Sentence: "She was accused of trying to besmirch the reputation of her colleague."
Synonyms: denigrate; discredit; disgrace; dishonor; impugn; malign
Opposite Meaning: honor

besotted (adjective) /bɪˈsɒtɪd/
Definition: Extremely infatuated or obsessed with someone or something, typically to the point of being irrational or blind to any flaws or shortcomings.
Example Sentence: "He was besotted with her from the moment they met."
Synonyms: captivated; charmed; doting; enamored; enthralled; entranced
Opposite Meaning: uninterested

bespoke (adjective) /bɪˈspəʊk/
Definition: Custom made or tailored to the specific needs or preferences of an individual.
Example Sentence: "The jeweler created a bespoke piece of jewelry for the customer."
Synonyms: artisanal; couture; custom; customized; exclusive; handcrafted
Opposite Meaning: mass-produced

bestow (verb) /bɪˈstəʊ/
Definition: To give or grant something, often with a sense of honor, generosity, or kindness.
Example Sentence: "The king was known to bestow lavish gifts upon his loyal subjects."
Synonyms: award; bequeath; donate; endow; entrust; furnish
Opposite Meaning: withhold

betoken (verb) /bɪˈtoʊ kən/
Definition: To serve as a sign, symbol, or indication of something, typically with a deeper or symbolic meaning.
Example Sentence: "The golden leaves betoken the arrival of autumn."
Synonyms: augur; denote; foreshadow; imply; indicate; manifest
Opposite Meaning: disguise

betroth (verb) /bɪˈtrəʊð/
Definition: To enter into an engagement or formal agreement to marry someone.
Example Sentence: "He decided to betroth his longtime girlfriend during a romantic trip to Paris."
Synonyms: affiance; bind; commit; espouse; marry; pledge
Opposite Meaning: separate

bewail (verb) /bɪˈweɪl/
Definition: To express deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation over a loss, misfortune, or distressing situation.
Example Sentence: "The mourners gathered to bewail the passing of their beloved friend."
Synonyms: bemoan; cry; deplore; grieve; howl; keen
Opposite Meaning: celebrate

bewilder (verb) /bɪˈwɪldə/
Definition: To cause someone to become confused, perplexed, or disoriented.
Example Sentence: "It's not uncommon for technology to bewilder the older generation."
Synonyms: baffle; befuddle; bemuse; confound; dumbfound; flummox
Opposite Meaning: clarify