How Do You Spell BEFALLEN?

Pronunciation: [bɪfˈɔːlən] (IPA)

The word "befallen" is spelled with a "be" prefix and "fallen" as the root word. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /bɪˈfɔː.lən/. The "e" in "be" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while "fallen" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, which is indicated by the apostrophe in the transcription. "Befallen" means to happen or occur to someone or something, especially something unfortunate.

BEFALLEN Meaning and Definition

  1. Befallen is a verb that is commonly used to describe something that has happened unexpectedly and in an adverse or unfortunate manner. It primarily refers to a situation or an event that has occurred, typically with negative consequences, affected someone or something. When something unforeseen "befalls" an individual, it suggests that they have encountered an unfortunate incident or have been affected by a misfortune or calamity.

    This term often implies a sense of helplessness or lack of control over the situation. It signifies that events have unfolded beyond one's control and have resulted in distressing circumstances. Befallen can be used in both formal and informal contexts; it is often employed in narratives, historical accounts, or discussions of personal experiences.

    For example, one might say, "A tragic accident befell the small town, leaving its inhabitants in mourning," or "A series of unexpected setbacks have befallen the company, casting doubt on its future prospects." In both cases, the word emphasizes the unexpected and unfortunate nature of the events, highlighting the impact they have had on the affected parties.

    Overall, "befallen" serves to express the notion of an undesirable occurrence or an unforeseen event that has taken place, highlighting the subsequent consequences and often evoking a sense of sympathy or empathy for those affected.

Common Misspellings for BEFALLEN

Etymology of BEFALLEN

The word "befallen" is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "be-" and "fallen".

The prefix "be-" is a Germanic prefix that denotes, among other things, an intensifying or changing action. In this case, it intensifies the meaning of the verb "fallen".

The verb "fallen" comes from the Old English word "feallan", which means "to fall". It is related to the German word "fallen", and both can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fallaną".

Overall, the etymology of "befallen" suggests that it is a compound word, combining an intensifying prefix with the verb "fallen" to convey the idea of a significant or changed falling.

Similar spelling words for BEFALLEN

Conjugate verb Befallen

CONDITIONAL

I would befallen
you would befallen
he/she/it would befallen
we would befallen
they would befallen
I would befall
we would befall
you would befall
he/she/it would befall
they would befall

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be befalling
you would be befalling
he/she/it would be befalling
we would be befalling
they would be befalling

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have befallen
you would have befallen
he/she/it would have befallen
we would have befallen
they would have befallen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been befalling
you would have been befalling
he/she/it would have been befalling
we would have been befalling
they would have been befalling

FUTURE

I will befall
you will befall
he/she/it will befall
we will befall
they will befall

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be befalling
you will be befalling
he/she/it will be befalling
we will be befalling
they will be befalling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have befallen
you will have befallen
he/she/it will have befallen
we will have befallen
they will have befallen

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been befalling
you will have been befalling
he/she/it will have been befalling
we will have been befalling
they will have been befalling

IMPERATIVE

you befall
we let´s befall

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to befall

PAST

I befell
you befell
he/she/it befell
we befell
they befell

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was befalling
you were befalling
he/she/it was befalling
we were befalling
they were befalling

PAST PARTICIPLE

befallen

PAST PERFECT

I had befallen
you had befallen
he/she/it had befallen
we had befallen
they had befallen

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been befalling
you had been befalling
he/she/it had been befalling
we had been befalling
they had been befalling

PRESENT

I befall
you befall
he/she/it befalls
we befall
they befall

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am befalling
you are befalling
he/she/it is befalling
we are befalling
they are befalling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

befalling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have befallen
you have befallen
he/she/it has befallen
we have befallen
they have befallen

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been befalling
you have been befalling
he/she/it has been befalling
we have been befalling
they have been befalling

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: