Befell: meaning, definitions and examples
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befell
[ bɪˈfɛl ]
happened unexpectedly
To befall is to happen to someone or something, often in an unexpected or unfortunate manner. It is typically used in a context where an event occurs that significantly impacts someone’s life or circumstances.
Synonyms
come about, happen, occur, transpire
Examples of usage
- A great misfortune befell him.
- A terrible storm befell the village.
- Misery befell the travelers after they got lost.
- Great opportunities can befall those who are prepared.
Translations
Translations of the word "befell" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aconteceu
- aconteceu com
- caiu sobre
🇮🇳 घटना घटित हुई
🇩🇪 geschah
- widerfuhr
- passierte
🇮🇩 terjadi
- menimpa
- menimpa pada
🇺🇦 сталося
- трапилося
- сталося з
🇵🇱 zdarzyło się
- przydarzyło się
- wydarzyło się
🇯🇵 起こった
🇫🇷 est arrivé
- est survenu
- s'est produit
🇪🇸 sucedió
- ocurrió
- le ocurrió a
🇹🇷 başına geldi
🇰🇷 발생했다
🇸🇦 حدث
- وقع
- أصاب
🇨🇿 stalo se
- přihodilo se
- událo se
🇸🇰 stalo sa
- prihodilo sa
- udialo sa
🇨🇳 发生了
- 降临
- 降到
🇸🇮 zgodilo se
🇮🇸 gerðist
🇰🇿 болды
- орын алды
- кездесті
🇬🇪 მოხდა
🇦🇿 baş verdi
🇲🇽 sucedió
Etymology
The word 'befall' originates from the Old English term 'befellan', which means 'to fall upon.' This word is a combination of 'be-' (a prefix denoting thoroughness or completion) and 'fallan' (to fall), which emphasizes the notion of something arriving or coming upon a person or place. It has been in use since the 12th century, primarily found in literature and biblical texts. Over time, its usage has evolved but has maintained the core meaning of events occurring, often with a negative or drastic impact.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #20,178, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 20175 exterminated
- 20176 proliferative
- 20177 competitively
- 20178 befell
- 20179 blemish
- 20180 scapula
- 20181 inattention
- ...