Befall — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /bi-ˈfȯl/ be·fall

Meaning & Definition of Befall

Befall (verb)

  1. to happen especially as if by fate
  2. to happen to

Befall (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take place

    "whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on"

    similar: be, betide, chance, come, come about, come down, come off, cook, do, go down (slang), go on, hap, happen, occur, pass, transpire, come to pass
    related: break, develop, rise, shape (up), arise, come up, crop (up), materialize, spring (up), intervene, fall out, follow, result, turn out, go off, proceed

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Befall

The most common words with a similar meaning to Befall:

Slang: go down
be, betide, chance, come, come about, come down, come off, cook, do, go on, hap, happen, occur, pass, transpire, come to pass

Related Words for Befall

break, develop, rise, shape (up), arise, come up, crop (up), materialize, spring (up), intervene, fall out, follow, result, turn out, go off, proceed

Word Forms of Befall

Inflections: befell, befallen

Origin & Etymology of Befall

Middle English befallen, going back to Old English befeallan (parallel to Old High German bifallan "to fall"), from be- be- + feallan "to fall:1"

First known use: 13th centuryi

Frequently Asked Questions about Befall

What does "Befall" mean?

"Befall" means to happen especially as if by fate. As a verb, it is defined as: to happen especially as if by fate.

What is another word for "Befall"?

Other words for "Befall" include be, betide, chance, come, come about, come down, come off and cook. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Befall" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Befall"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Befall". Common alternatives include be, betide, chance, come, come about, come down, come off, cook, do and go down.

How do you use "Befall" in a sentence?

Examples of "Befall" in a sentence: "whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on".

Is "Befall" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Befall" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Befall"?

"Befall" is pronounced /bi-ˈfȯl/ and divided into syllables as be·fall.

What is the origin of the word "Befall"?

"Befall" comes from Middle English befallen, going back to Old English befeallan (parallel to Old High German bifallan "to fall"), from be- be- + feallan "to fall:1". First known use: 13th centuryi.

What is another word for "Befall" meaning "to take place"?

When "Befall" (verb) means to take place, synonyms include be, betide, chance, come, come about and come down.