Becall

/bɪˈkɔːl/ verb

Definition

To call or summon someone by their name or title; to address or name someone.

Etymology

From the prefix 'be-' (making or causing) combined with 'call' (from Old English 'ceallian'). The prefix 'be-' was used in Old English to create verbs from nouns and adjectives, giving them causative or intensive force.

Kelly Says

The prefix 'be-' is a linguistic time machine—it was heavily used in Old and Middle English to transform simple words into more forceful versions, but most of these 'be-' verbs have faded from modern English, making words like 'becall' feel charmingly archaic.

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