beacon
0 antonyms and opposites of beacon, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location.
How to use beacon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "bēacn," meaning "sign" or "signal," related to the word "buoy."
Full origin of beacon →Frequently asked questions
What does “beacon” mean?
The word “beacon” means a light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location. In plain terms, a guiding light or signal, or figuratively, someone or something that inspires and guides others.
How do you pronounce “beacon”?
“Beacon” is pronounced BEE-kuhn (/ˈbiːkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “beacon” in a sentence?
Here is “beacon” used in a sentence: “The lighthouse beacon guided ships safely past the rocks.”
What part of speech is “beacon”?
Depending on how it is used, “beacon” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “beacon” come from?
The word “beacon” comes from Old English. From Old English "bēacn," meaning "sign" or "signal," related to the word "buoy.".
Is “beacon” a common word?
“Beacon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “beacon” have?
“Beacon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location.
What is the difference between a "beacon" and a "lighthouse"?
A lighthouse is one specific type of beacon: a tall structure with a light used to warn or guide ships near a coastline. "Beacon" is the broader term and can refer to any light, fire, or signal used to guide, warn, or mark a location, including hilltop fires, radio beacons, and warning lights.
How is "beacon" used figuratively, as in "beacon of hope"?
Figuratively, a "beacon" is a person or thing that serves as a guiding example or symbol of hope, such as a "beacon of hope" or "beacon of democracy." This use extends the literal idea of a guiding light to abstract qualities like inspiration or moral example.
Can "beacon" be used as a verb?
Yes, though less commonly than the noun. As a verb, "beacon" means to send out light or a signal, as a beacon does, for example "the tower beaconed across the bay."