Besmears

/bɪˈsmɪrz/ verb

Definition

The third-person singular present tense form of besmear; he, she, or it covers with a messy substance.

Etymology

From besmear plus the third-person singular suffix -s (Old English -eþ, simplified to -s by Middle English). Standard verb conjugation in modern English.

Kelly Says

English verbs have simplified dramatically over centuries—Old English had six different verb endings per tense, but we're down to just -s for third person. 'Besmears' shows how our language has become more economical, dropping inflections other languages still use.

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