befall
Befall (verb) means to happen to someone, especially something unfortunate. Example: “No one could have predicted the tragedy that would befall the town.”
How to use befall
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo happen to someone or something, usually with a serious or negative event.
Formal or literary; rarely used in casual conversation.
Word forms
befell past tense, befallen past tense, befalls plural, befalls singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
No one could have predicted the tragedy that would _____ the town.
Etymology
From Old English befeallan, combining the prefix "be-" with "fall," originally meaning something like "to fall upon."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for befall
See all rhymes for befall →Frequently asked questions
What does “befall” mean?
The word “befall” means to happen to someone, especially something unfortunate. In plain terms, to happen to someone or something, usually with a serious or negative event.
How do you pronounce “befall”?
“Befall” is pronounced bih-FAWL (/bɪˈfɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “befall” in a sentence?
Here is “befall” used in a sentence: “No one could have predicted the tragedy that would befall the town.”
What is another word for “befall”?
Words with a similar meaning to “befall” include occur and transpire.
What part of speech is “befall”?
“Befall” is a verb.
Where does the word “befall” come from?
The word “befall” comes from Old English. From Old English befeallan, combining the prefix "be-" with "fall," originally meaning something like "to fall upon.".
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