betide
Betide (verb) means to happen to someone or something; to befall, especially in warnings or predictions. Example: “Woe betide anyone who crosses her.”
How to use betide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for "happen to" or "befall," almost always seen today in the fixed phrase "woe betide."
Archaic outside the set phrase "woe betide."
Word forms
betid past tense, betided past tense, betide plural, betided plural, betid plural, betides singular, betide singular, betided singular, betid singular, betidest singular, betideth singular, betidedst singular
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Can you complete this real example?
Woe _____ anyone who crosses her.
Etymology
From Middle English, built from "be-" plus an old verb "tide," meaning "to happen" — related to the noun "tide" in the sense of time or season.
Rhymes for betide
See all rhymes for betide →Frequently asked questions
What does “betide” mean?
The word “betide” means to happen to someone or something; to befall, especially in warnings or predictions. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for "happen to" or "befall," almost always seen today in the fixed phrase "woe betide.".
How do you pronounce “betide”?
“Betide” is pronounced bih-TYD (/bəˈtaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “betide” in a sentence?
Here is “betide” used in a sentence: “Woe betide anyone who crosses her.”
What part of speech is “betide”?
“Betide” is a verb.
Where does the word “betide” come from?
The word “betide” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, built from "be-" plus an old verb "tide," meaning "to happen" — related to the noun "tide" in the sense of time or season.
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