Becoming
I especially like the second "major grammatical or semantic division" of become in my Shorter OED. And that semantic division is Befit instead of Come --.
7 Accord with, be appropriate to, befit.
9 Of a property, attribute, quality, etc.: suit, look well on or with, (its owner or subject).
10 Of a person: grace (a place, position, etc.); look well in (a dress etc.).
and
becoming adj. Fitting, suitable; characterized by grace or decorum; tending to show the wearer etc. to advantage, attractive-looking.
When I first thought about this sense of the word, I was fascinated with the idea of transition (the first sense of become) being the beauty/attractiveness, similar to how I'm fascinated with the magic of the gloaming hours, both dawn and dusk. And while my initial thoughts were thwarted once I reached the dictionary, I appreciate this second "semantic division" more now, because there is beauty in the appropriate. Often things are ugly because they don't fit. All the more reason to appreciate the grace/elegance/beauty of those things that are well placed and suited, be they a gesture, a glance, a copse of trees on a hill, eggs in a nest, etc.
3 Comments:
Now I have the song "Become You" by the Indigo Girls in my head. Not their best song, but catchy apparently.
This is my favorite word post of yours.
fiderack
Thank you Ellen, that means a lot to me.
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