Bethumb is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language. It is a term that has been around for centuries, but its meaning and usage have evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various associations of bethumb.
Definitions
Bethumb is a verb that means to press or squeeze with the thumb. It can also be used as a noun to refer to the act of pressing something with the thumb. The term is often associated with the act of marking a book or document by pressing the thumb against the page.
Origin
The word bethumb has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled as “bi-thumbian.” The term was derived from the words “bi,” which means “with,” and “thumbian,” which means “to press with the thumb.” Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved into the modern-day version, bethumb.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term bethumb is not commonly found in modern dictionaries. However, some older dictionaries do include the word and define it as “to press with the thumb.” Some modern dictionaries may also include the word as a rare or obsolete term.
Associations
Bethumb is often associated with the act of marking a book or document. In the past, people would use their thumbs to press a mark or seal onto a document to indicate that it had been read or approved. The term can also be associated with the act of pressing a button or key on a keyboard with the thumb.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bethumb include press, squeeze, pinch, and compress. These words all describe the act of applying pressure with the thumb or fingers.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bethumb, but words like release, let go, and loosen could be considered opposite actions to pressing or squeezing with the thumb.
The same root words
The root words of bethumb are “bi” and “thumbian.” These words are also found in other English words, such as biography, which means a written account of someone’s life, and thumbscrew, which is a torture device that applies pressure to the thumbs.
Example Sentences
- She bethumbed the page to mark her place in the book.
- He bethumbed the button to turn on the computer.
- The document was bethumbed by the king to signify his approval.
- She winced as he bethumbed her arm to find a vein for the injection.