befall
[ bih-fawl ]
/ bɪˈfɔl /
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verb (used without object), be·fell, be·fall·en, be·fall·ing.
to happen or occur.
Archaic. to come, as by right.
verb (used with object), be·fell, be·fall·en, be·fall·ing.
to happen to, especially by chance or fate.
SYNONYMS FOR befall
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for befall
British Dictionary definitions for befall
befall
/ (bɪˈfɔːl) /
verb -falls, -falling, -fell or -fallen archaic, or literary
(intr) to take place; come to pass
(tr) to happen to
(intr usually foll by to) to be due, as by right
Word Origin for befall
Old English befeallan; related to Old High German bifallan, Dutch bevallen; see be-, fall
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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