BEFALLS meaning and definition

Reading time: 2-3 minutes

The Meaning of "Befalls"

In the English language, there are many words that can express a sense of fate, fortune, or destiny. Among these words is one that often seems to catch us off guard: "befalls". What exactly does this word mean, and how do we use it in everyday conversation?

The Origin of "Befalls"

To understand the meaning of "befalls", let's take a look at its history. The word comes from Old English and Middle English roots, where it was used to describe something happening to someone or something. In essence, "befalls" is an old-fashioned way of saying "happens to" or "occurs to".

The Definition

So, what does "befalls" mean? Simply put, when something befalls someone or something, it means that a particular event, situation, or condition happens to them. It can be used to describe good fortune, bad luck, or anything in between.

For example:

A beautiful sunset befell the couple on their wedding day.
The team's winning streak befell them after they hired a new coach.
A strange illness befell the village after the polluted river flowed into it.

Connotations and Implications

When something befalls someone or something, it often carries connotations of fate or destiny. In other words, the event is seen as being predetermined or inevitable, rather than just happening by chance. This can add a sense of drama or significance to the situation.

For instance:

The company's bankruptcy befell them after years of mismanagement.
A natural disaster befell the city, leaving thousands homeless and without power.

Idiomatic Usage

One of the most interesting aspects of "befalls" is its idiomatic usage. This means that the word can be used in certain fixed expressions or phrases to convey a particular meaning. For example:

"It befell him to make a mistake" (meaning it was his fate or destiny to err).
"The curse befell them all" (meaning everyone involved was affected by some sort of misfortune).

Conclusion

In conclusion, "befalls" is an old-fashioned word that describes the occurrence of something happening to someone or something. It carries connotations of fate or destiny and can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different meanings. Whether describing good fortune, bad luck, or anything in between, "befalls" adds a touch of drama and significance to any situation.

So next time you're trying to describe what happened to someone or something, give "befalls" a try! You might just find that it adds a touch of old-fashioned flair to your language.