How Do You Spell BECK?

Pronunciation: [bˈɛk] (IPA)

The word "beck" is spelled with the phonetic symbol /bɛk/. The first sound is a voiced bilabial plosive (/b/), which is followed by an open-mid front unrounded vowel (/ɛ/). The final sound is a voiceless velar plosive (/k/). The word "beck" can mean a small stream or a gesture of the head or hand. It is frequently found in Northern England and Scotland, where it is used to describe a small stream or brook, often flowing through a wooded area or valley.

BECK Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "beck" primarily functions as a noun and refers to a nod or a motion of the head or hand, typically used to encourage or summon someone to come closer or to follow. It is also sometimes used as a verb, meaning to make a beckoning motion; to summon or direct someone by a nod or gesture. When used in this manner, it often conveys a sense of authority or command.

    The word "beck" originated from the Old Norse term "bekkr" and is related to the word "beech," referring to a type of tree. This connection can be traced back to the use of beech trees as markers at important landmarks, and beckoning was originally done by pointing towards these landmarks.

    In a figurative sense, "beck" can also be used to describe a call or invitation, especially when it comes from a person of influence or power. This can apply to verbal or non-verbal cues such as a wave, whistle, or even a gaze that seeks attention.

    Additionally, the term "beck" is sometimes used in the idiomatic expression "at someone's beck and call," which means being constantly available and ready to obey or serve someone's wishes or demands. This conveys a sense of being completely subservient or at the disposal of another person.

  2. • A small brook.
    • A nod of the head meant to invite attention; an English weight of 16 lb. or a measure of 2 gals.
    • To make a sign with the head; to call by a nod.
    • A little stream; a brook.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BECK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BECK

Etymology of BECK

The word "beck" originates from Old Norse "bekkr" or Old English "bece", which both mean "brook" or "stream". This term ultimately comes from the Germanic root "bakja", which refers to a small stream or a narrow valley. Over time, "beck" has evolved to refer to a small stream or brook and is particularly used in Northern England and Scotland.

Idioms with the word BECK

  • at sb's beck and call The idiom "at someone's beck and call" means to be constantly available and obedient to someone, willing to do whatever they request or command. It signifies being under someone's complete control or at their complete disposal.
  • be at sb's beck and call The idiom "be at sb's beck and call" means to be constantly available and obedient to someone, always ready to fulfill their requests or commands. It implies being in a position of servitude or subservience to another person's needs or desires.
  • at sm's beck and call The idiom "at someone's beck and call" means to be constantly available and ready to follow someone's command or fulfill their every request. It implies being in a subordinate or submissive position to the person being referred to.
  • be at beck and call The idiom "be at beck and call" means to be constantly ready and available to serve or respond to someone's every request or command. It implies being in a subordinate or servile position where one must be obedient and attentive to another person's needs at all times.
  • at beck and call The idiom "at beck and call" is defined as being ready and willing to fulfill someone's requests or commands immediately, without hesitation or refusal. It implies being readily available and responsive to someone's every demand or whim, being in constant readiness to serve their needs.
  • at the beck and call of The idiom "at the beck and call of someone" means to be ready and available to do someone's bidding or to fulfill their requests immediately and obediently. It implies being under the complete control or command of someone else, always prioritizing their needs and being at their service.
  • beck and call The idiom "beck and call" refers to being ready and willing to readily respond to someone's every request, command, or beckoning, typically implying subservience or obedience. It suggests being at someone's disposal and being immediately available to fulfill their needs or desires.
  • at somebody’s beck and call The idiom "at somebody's beck and call" means to be constantly at someone's disposal, ready to obey their commands or fulfill their requests promptly and willingly. It implies being submissive or subservient to another person's demands.
  • at (one's) beck and call The idiom "at (one's) beck and call" means to be constantly available and ready to obey or serve someone's every command or need. It implies a submissive or servant-like relationship between two individuals, where one person holds authority or power over the other.
  • at somebody's beck and call The idiom "at somebody's beck and call" means to be constantly available and ready to do someone's bidding or fulfill their requests and demands promptly. It implies being in a position of complete submission or subservience to someone else's authority or wishes.
  • at someone's beck and call The idiom "at someone's beck and call" means being entirely at someone's disposal or constantly available to fulfill their every request or command. It implies being under someone else's control and always ready to cater to their needs or desires.
  • be at (one's) beck and call The idiom "be at (one's) beck and call" means to be constantly available and ready to serve or fulfill someone's requests or demands without hesitation or resistance. It implies being completely submissive or obedient to someone's wishes, acting as their personal servant or assistant.
  • be at someone's beck and call The idiom "be at someone's beck and call" means to be constantly available for someone's commands or requests, and willingly obeying or fulfilling their every need or desire.

Similar spelling words for BECK

Plural form of BECK is BECKS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: