The verb "bedew" means to cover with drops of moisture or dew. Its pronunciation is /bɪˈdjuː/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling can be tricky because of the silent "e" at the end, which indicates that the vowel in the previous syllable is pronounced as a long vowel. In this case, the vowel "u" in the second syllable is pronounced as a long "oo" sound. Knowing the IPA phonetic transcription can help avoid common spelling errors when writing words like "bedew".
The term "bedew" is a transitive verb that refers to the act of moistening or covering something with dewdrops or tiny drops of moisture. It is often used figuratively to describe an action that involves sprinkling or dampening something, typically in a delicate or gentle manner.
When describing natural phenomena, "bedew" signifies the process of saturating an object or surface with dew, which is formed during the nighttime when water vapor condenses on cool surfaces. In this context, "bedew" is commonly associated with plants or flowers in the early morning, when their leaves and petals become adorned with shimmering droplets.
Metaphorically, "bedew" can describe the act of shedding tears or crying, connoting the idea of tears gently wetting the face. It suggests a state of emotional vulnerability or sentimentality, with tears symbolizing the expression of deep emotions or sorrow.
Furthermore, "bedew" can be employed in a more abstract sense, referring to the process of lightly and evenly moistening something. This can be applied to actions like sprinkling water on a person's face or lightly spraying a surface with liquid to give it a refreshed or vibrant appearance.
Overall, "bedew" encapsulates the idea of covering or moistening something with delicate drops of moisture, whether literally or metaphorically, to evoke a sense of softness, freshness, or emotional resonance.
To wet, as with dew; to moisten gently.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bedew" originated from the Middle English term "bedewen", which was formed by combining the prefix "be-" (indicating thoroughly or all over) with the Old English word "deaw" (meaning dew). The Old English "deaw" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language where it was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dheu- (to flow). Over time, "bedew" has remained relatively unchanged in terms of its meaning and pronunciation.