bespeak

UK: /bɪˈspiːk/ US: /bɪˈspik/ ,(bi spēk′)

Inflections of 'bespeak' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

bespeaks

v 3rd person singular

bespeaking

v pres p

bespoke

v past

bespoke

v past p

bespoken

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•speak /bɪˈspik/   v. [~ + object] , -spoke, -spo•ken or -spoke, -speak•ing. 

1. to ask for in advance;
   reserve beforehand:
   to bespeak a seat in a theater.
2. to show;
   indicate:
   This generous act bespeaks a kindly heart.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

be•speak  (bi spēk′), v.t., -spoke or (Archaic) -spake;
-spo•ken or -spoke;
-speak•ing. 

1. to ask for in advance:
   to bespeak the reader's patience.
2. to reserve beforehand;
   engage in advance;
   make arrangements for:
   to bespeak a seat in a theater.
3. [Literary.] to speak to;
   address.
4. to show;
   indicate:
   This bespeaks a kindly heart.
5. [Obs.] to foretell;
   forebode.

• Middle English bespeken, Old English besprecan. See be-, speak bef. 900

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

bespeak / bɪˈspiːk/ verb ( -speaks, -speaking, -spoke, -spoken, -spoke)(transitive)

1. to engage, request, or ask for in advance
2. to indicate or suggest: this act bespeaks kindness
3. to speak to; address