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Befallen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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befallen

be-fall-en

🇺🇸 /bəˈfɑɫən/ · 🇬🇧 /bɪfˈɔːlən/

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

misfortune event

To befall means to happen or occur, especially in relation to something negative or unfortunate. It is often used to describe events or situations that befall someone unexpectedly.

Synonyms

befall, happen, occur.

Examples of usage

  • Misfortune befell the villagers after the storm.
  • A great challenge befell him during his journey.
  • An inexplicable tragedy has befallen her family.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “befallen”

Befallen is a 3-syllable verb (be-fall-en). It is pronounced /bəˈfɑɫən/ in American English and /bɪfˈɔːlən/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #19,741 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“befallen” in literature

  • This term appears in classic literature, such as in Shakespeare's works, often conveying a sense of tragedy.
  • Authors throughout history have used it to describe the fate or misfortunes faced by characters.

“befallen” in psychology

  • In psychology, the idea of being 'befallen' can relate to the concepts of fate and agency, influencing how people perceive their life events.
  • People may feel a lack of control over what has befallen them, impacting their emotional response to adversity.

“befallen” in pop culture

  • The word is often used in music lyrics to express themes of loss or misfortune, connecting deeply with listeners' emotions.
  • Films and books frequently depict characters who face things that have befallen them, highlighting the consequences of fate.

“befallen” in history

  • Throughout history, 'befallen' has been used in chronicles to document events that occurred, particularly those with dire consequences.
  • It often appears in historical texts regarding natural disasters or societal upheavals, tracking the impact on populations.

Origin of 'befallen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'befallen' originates from the Old English 'begefan', meaning to happen or occur.
  • It combines 'be-', which intensifies the meaning, with 'fallen', suggesting something has 'fallen upon' someone.

The word 'befall' originates from Old English 'befellan', which means 'to fall upon'. It is composed of the prefix 'be-' indicating around, over, or upon, and 'fall', which comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'fallan', meaning to drop or descend. The term has maintained its core meaning through many centuries, often associated with events or circumstances that come upon someone. Throughout history, it has been used in literary contexts to depict both tragic and significant occurrences in one's life, emphasizing the surprise or inevitability of such events.

Rhymes

Befallen rhymes with stollen, fallen, pollen, ahlen, bollen, carollan, collen and dahlen.

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,741, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.