The word "be fallen" is an irregular, two-word verb that means "to have happened or occurred." It is spelled with a space between the two words and is pronounced as /bi ˈfɔː.lən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "be" (pronounced /bi/) and the second syllable is pronounced as "fallen" (pronounced /ˈfɔː.lən/), with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word reflects its etymology, which is derived from Middle English and Old English.
The term "be fallen" refers to a state or condition in which someone or something has succumbed to a particular situation, often facing negative consequences, losses, or a change of fortune. It typically implies that an individual or object has experienced a downfall or decline in fortunes, usually from a previously better or more favorable status.
When someone is described as having "be fallen," it means they have experienced a significant setback, whether it be in their personal life, professional career, or social standing. It suggests a sense of defeat, misfortune, or adversity that has left the person in a less desirable position than before. The phrase can also be used to describe the decline of institutions, organizations, or even entire societies.
The concept of "be fallen" carries an inherent element of regret or disappointment, as it signifies a loss of power, prestige, or control over a situation. It often conveys a sense of melancholy or sympathy towards the individual or entity that has "be fallen," recognizing the struggles and challenges they might face in an altered, diminished state.
In summary, "be fallen" refers to the condition of having experienced a decline or downfall, typically accompanied by negative consequences and reduced fortunes. It implies a shift from a previously better state to one that is less desirable or successful, evoking a sense of regret or sympathy for the individual or object that has undergone this change.
The word "befallen" is a compound word consisting of the prefix "be-" which means "to surround or completely" and the verb "fallen" which is the past participle of the verb "fall".
The Old English origin of "befallen" can be traced back to two separate words. The first is "be-" which was a preposition indicating the result or direction of an action. The second part, "fallen", comes from the Old English word "feallan" meaning "to drop from a height, stumble, or perish".
Over time, these two words combined to create "befallen", with its meaning evolving to refer to an event or circumstance that has happened or occurred as a result of something else.