Cool MateBehold vs Gaze
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Behold
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Gaze
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: BeholdMost common: Gaze
| Behold | Gaze | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɪˈhoʊld//🇺🇸 //bɪˈhoʊld// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡeɪz/","/ˈɡeɪzɪz/","/ɡeɪzd/","/ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Look at something with attention. | To look at something for a long time. |
| Example | Behold the magnificent sunset over the horizon. | She gazed at him in amazement. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | behold the wonders, behold the glory, behold your fate | intently, steadily, absently, at, in, into |
| Antonyms | ignore, overlook | avert, ignore, dismiss |
| Common mistakes | Using 'behold' in informal settings., Confusing 'behold' with 'see' or 'look at' for casual use., Using incorrect verb forms, as 'beholded' is not correct. | Confused with 'glance' — 'gaze' means a long look, not a quick one., Using 'gaze' without 'at' — it should be 'gaze at the stars', not just 'gaze the stars'., Overusing in casual contexts — more suitable for descriptive or literary situations. |
| Usage notes | Used mainly in literary or dramatic contexts. Not common in everyday conversation; can sound archaic. | Used in contexts where someone looks intently or dreamily. Not typically used in casual conversations unless describing art or beauty. |
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Frequently asked questions: Behold vs Gaze
What's the difference between Behold and Gaze?
Behold: Look at something with attention. Gaze: To look at something for a long time.
Which is more formal: Behold and Gaze?
Behold is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Behold and Gaze?
Gaze is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Behold: Behold the magnificent sunset over the horizon. Gaze: She gazed at him in amazement.
Can I use Behold and Gaze interchangeably?
Not always. Behold and Gaze are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.