Befall

Pronunciation: /bɪˈfɔl/

Definitions of befall

verb to happen or occur, especially something unfortunate

Example Sentences

A1 It will befall you if you don't pay attention.

A2 I fear that something terrible may befall us on this journey.

B1 The unexpected news befell the entire community.

B2 The tragic event that befell the family left everyone in shock.

C1 The consequences of the decision befell him much sooner than he anticipated.

C2 The curse that befell the kingdom was said to be caused by a betrayal within the royal family.

Examples of befall in a Sentence

formal It is uncertain when disaster will befall us.

informal I hope nothing bad will befall us.

slang I don't want any crap to befall us.

figurative Sometimes, unexpected opportunities befall us in the midst of chaos.

Grammatical Forms of befall

• past tense: befell
• plural: befall
• comparative: more befall
• superlative: most befall
• present tense: befalls
• future tense: will befall
• perfect tense: has befallen
• continuous tense: is befalling
• singular: befall
• positive degree: befall
• infinitive: befall
• gerund: befalling
• participle: befallen

Origin and Evolution of befall

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'befall' originated from Old English, specifically from the combination of 'be-' meaning 'about, around' and 'fallan' meaning 'to fall'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'befall' has retained its original meaning of 'to happen or occur', with slight variations in usage depending on the context.