adjective
beholden
bih-HOHL-duhn
Beholden (adjective) means owing gratitude or a debt to someone for what they have done. Example: “She felt beholden to her mentor for years of guidance.”
adjective
1
Owing gratitude or a debt to someone for what they have done.
"She felt beholden to her mentor for years of guidance."
How to use beholden
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling obligated or indebted to someone.
Common pairings
beholden to no one
feel beholden
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She felt _____ to her mentor for years of guidance.
Etymology
Originally the past participle of "behold," it drifted over time to mean "obligated" rather than "seen."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for beholden
See all rhymes for beholden →Frequently asked questions
What does “beholden” mean?
The word “beholden” means owing gratitude or a debt to someone for what they have done. In plain terms, feeling obligated or indebted to someone.
How do you pronounce “beholden”?
“Beholden” is pronounced bih-HOHL-duhn (/bɪˈhoʊldən/ in IPA).
How do you use “beholden” in a sentence?
Here is “beholden” used in a sentence: “She felt beholden to her mentor for years of guidance.”
What part of speech is “beholden”?
“Beholden” is an adjective.
