befall

/bi'fɔ:l/

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Explanation of the Word "Befall"

Definition: The verb "befall" means that something happens or occurs to someone or something, often by chance or in the course of events. It can imply that an event, especially a negative one, happens to a person.

Advanced Usage:

• "Befall" can also imply a sense of fate or destiny, as in "What will befall us in the future?"
• When used in literature, it often carries a more dramatic or serious tone.

Word Variants:

• "Befell" (the past tense form of "befall")
  • Example: "Great misfortune befell the village after the storm."
• "Befalling" (the present participle form)
  • Example: "The befalling events shaped her character."

Different Meanings:

While "befall" primarily means to happen or occur, it is often associated with negative or serious events. It does not usually refer to positive occurrences.

Synonyms:

• Happen
• Occur
• Befall (in the sense of something happening to someone)
• Come to pass
• Ensue

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Come to pass": This phrase means to happen or occur, similar to "befall."

  • Example: "Many things came to pass that changed their lives forever."

• "What will be, will be": This idiom expresses the idea that events will occur as they are meant to, often beyond our control.

  • Example: "I try not to worry about the future; what will be, will be."

Summary:

The word "befall" means that something happens to someone, often by chance or fate. It is a formal word that can describe both good and bad events, but it is more commonly associated with negative occurrences.

Academic

Verb

1. happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance
   • It happens that today is my birthday
   • These things befell (Santayana)
2. become of; happen to
   • He promised that no harm would befall her
   • What has become of my children?

Synonyms

• happen
• bechance
• betide