Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance: This is the primary meaning, indicating that something takes place, often by accident or fortune.
2. Verb (transitive):
   • To happen to; to become of: This meaning describes something occurring to someone or something, often with a sense of fate or consequence.

Usage Examples

• Verb (intransitive):

  • It bechanced that the two travelers met at the crossroads. (It happened by chance that the two travelers met at the crossroads.)
  • What strange events may bechance on a night like this? (What strange events may occur on a night like this?)

• Verb (transitive):

  • He feared what might bechance his family in his absence. (He feared what might happen to his family in his absence.)
  • No one knows what will bechance the old castle in the coming years. (No one knows what will become of the old castle in the coming years.)

Advanced Usage

• "As it may bechance": meaning "as it may happen" or "whatever occurs".

  • We shall proceed, as it may bechance. (We shall proceed, whatever may happen.)

• "To bechance upon": an archaic construction meaning to come across or encounter by chance.

  • I did bechance upon a rare book in the market. (I happened upon a rare book in the market.)

Variants and Related Words

• Befall (verb): To happen, especially something bad or unfortunate. This is a more common synonym.
  • A great misfortune befell the village.
• Happen (verb): The most common and neutral modern equivalent for "occur".
  • What will happen next?
• Occur (verb): To happen or take place.
  • The accident occurred at midnight.

Synonyms

• Transpire: To occur; to happen.
• Come to pass: A more formal or literary phrase meaning to happen.
• Betide: An archaic verb meaning to happen or befall.

Notes on Usage

• "Bechance" is an archaic and literary word. It is rarely used in modern, everyday English. It is most often found in historical texts, poetry, or to create a formal, old-fashioned tone.
• It can function both without an object (intransitive: "It bechanced...") and with an object (transitive: "What will bechance him?").

Verb

1. happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance
   • It happens that today is my birthday
   • These things befell (Santayana)
2. become of; happen to
   • He promised that no harm would befall her
   • What has become of my children?