lo and behold

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word lo and behold. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word lo and behold, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say lo and behold in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word lo and behold you have here. The definition of the word lo and behold will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition oflo and behold, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Etymology

The lo in the expression probably originated from the shortening of the word look, commonly seen in Middle English texts. Its presence in literature can be traced to at least as early as the 18th century. The literal meaning of the expression is "look and see", and it is always used as if in the imperative.

Interjection

lo and behold

  1. Used to express surprise.
    • 1766, "Miss N", Select letters Between the Late Duchess of Somerset, Lady Luxborough, Mr Whistler, ... and Others, Thomas Hull (editor)
      Here was I sat down, full of Love and Respect to write my dearest Friends a dutiful and loving letter, when lo, and behold! I was made happy by the receipt of yours.
    • 1995, Robin Hobb, Assassin's Apprentice : The Farseer Trilogy Book 1, Del Rey Mass Market Edition, p. 117.
      And when Regal and I rode down to get it, lo and behold, it's from Patience, to tell us Chivalry's dead.

Translations