Standard Lemma guide

bename

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To swear on oath; to solemnly declare; promise; give.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To name; give a name (to); mention by name; nominate; denominate; call.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To name; call; style; describe as.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English benamen. Equivalent to be- + name. Compare Middle English benemnen, from Old English benemnan, a closely related formation. Compare further Saterland Frisian benaame, German benennen, Swedish benämna, Dutch benoemen.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: benamen — to give a name, call
  • Dutch: benoemen — to give a name, call
  • Dutch: namen — to give a name, call
  • Dutch: vernoemen — to give a name, call
  • French: appeler — to give a name, call