Yamamoto Tsunetomo

One's appearance bespeaks dignity corresponding to the depth of his character. One's concentrated effort, serene attitude, taciturn air, courteous disposition, thoroughly polite bearing, gritted teeth with a piercing look - each of these reveals dignity. Such outward appearance, in short, comes from constant attentiveness and seriousness.

Japanese Soldier

Susanne Langer

A signal is comprehended if it serves to make us notice the object or situation it bespeaks. A symbol is understood when we conceive the idea it presents.

American Philosopher

Elias Hicks

People talk about revelation, and say it has ceased; but what ignorance it bespeaks, when man knows not the least thing on earth without revelation.

American Clergyman

Charles Caleb Colton

To be obliged to beg our daily happiness from others bespeaks a more lamentable poverty than that of him who begs his daily bread.

English Writer

Ephraim Mirvis

While silence can in some circumstances bespeak noble self-control, it can also signify suppression, oblivion or cowardice.

South African Clergyman

James Cash Penney

Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.

American Businessman

Jilly Cooper

I think it bespeaks a generous nature, a man who can cook.

British Author

Bespeak can subtly imply qualities or characteristics without directly stating them.

Subtle Implication

Can reflect cultural aspects; the word or phrase it accompanies often hints at cultural undertones.

Cultural Insight

Often used to remark on something's condition or status in the present.

Current Relevance

Emphasizes the action of securing or requesting something beforehand.

Advance Action

Used to denote a formal or polite request, often in a professional or formal context.

Formal Request

Provides a sense of tradition or archaism, especially in historical or fantasy settings.

Old-fashioned Flavor

 Something, somewhere will always have changed, most of all, ourselves. People. Finally, what we're talking about is human experience, this notoriously and gloriously disorderly affair. In creative writing, locality bespeaks humanity. The more we know about where a story is set,