beheld

Beheld is the past tense and past participle of behold, a verb meaning to see or observe something, often with attention, interest, or reverence. The term can refer to a literal act of seeing or to a figurative perception, such as perceiving a scene, truth, or idea. In contemporary English, beheld is primarily literary or archaic; everyday speech typically uses saw (past) or have seen (past participle).

Etymology: Behold comes from Old English behealdan, meaning to hold in view or regard. The modern form beheld emerged in Middle English. Behold and beheld remain common in religious, historical, or poetic contexts.

Usage: Beheld is used to convey a more deliberate or striking act of seeing. It appears in classic literature, biblical translations, and ceremonial prose. In modern writing, its use can impart a formal or antiquated tone. It should not be confused with beholden, an unrelated adjective meaning indebted or obligated.

Examples: "She beheld the sunrise over the valley." "They beheld a procession as it wound through the town." The present tense is behold; the present participle is beholding.

See also: behold, beholden, beholding.