beholden etymology

Etymology:

• Old English: "behalden," meaning "to hold in regard"
• Old English "be" (intensifier) + "haldan" (to hold)

Meaning:

The word "beholden" means to be indebted, obliged, or obligated to someone for something. It implies a sense of gratitude and responsibility towards the person who has done the favor.

Origin:

The term emerged in Old English during the 11th century. It was originally used in a legal context to describe the relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal, who was "beholden" to the lord for protection and land.

Over time, the meaning of "beholden" broadened to include any situation where someone is indebted or obligated to another.

Usage:

The word "beholden" is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as:

• "We are beholden to our ancestors for the freedoms we enjoy today."
• "The company is beholden to its shareholders for its financial success."
• "The employee felt beholden to his boss for giving him a job."

Examples:

• I am beholden to you for your help with this project.
• The organization is beholden to its donors for financial support.
• The politician is beholden to special interest groups for campaign contributions.

beholden relate terms

• behold

  Etymology Origin Old English behaldan from Proto Germanic bihanthaldiz derived fr

• hold

  Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

• hold

  Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

• behold

  Etymology Origin Old English behaldan from Proto Germanic bihanthaldiz derived fr

• beholden

  Etymology Old English behalden meaning to hold in regard Old English be intens

• reparation

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