befallen

A sudden misfortune has befallen the small village.

Definition

1. Verb (past participle of ):
   • To happen or occur, typically something unfortunate or bad: "befallen" describes an event that has taken place, especially one that brings trouble, harm, or misfortune to someone or something.
   • To come to pass: Used in a more general sense to indicate that something has happened, often in a dramatic or significant context.

Usage Examples

• (An unfortunate event occurred to the community.)
• (Whatever may have happened to him, we must keep looking.)
• (She described the misfortune that happened to her relatives.)

Advanced Usage

• "It has befallen [someone] to [do something]": An archaic or literary structure meaning it has become someone's duty or fate to do something.

  • It has befallen me to deliver this sad news. (It has become my responsibility to share this unfortunate information.)

• "Befallen [someone] with [something]": To have something bad happen to someone.

  • He was befallen with a sudden illness. (He was struck by a sudden sickness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Befall (verb, base form): to happen or occur.

  • We must prepare for whatever may befall us. (We must get ready for whatever may occur.)

• Befell (verb, past tense): the simple past form of befall.

  • A strange event befell the travellers last night. (A strange event happened to the travellers.)

• Befalling (verb, present participle): the act of happening.

  • The catastrophe befalling the kingdom was unforeseen. (The catastrophe happening to the kingdom was unexpected.)

Synonyms

• Happened: occurred or took place.
• Occurred: came to pass.
• Transpired: became known or happened (often in formal contexts).
• Befell (past tense): specifically used for events that happen to a person or group.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "What is done cannot be undone": While not a direct idiom with "befallen," it is often used in contexts where a misfortune has occurred and cannot be reversed.

  • After the accident had befallen them, they knew what is done cannot be undone. (After the misfortune happened, they accepted it was irreversible.)

• "Fate has dealt a blow": A phrase used to describe a misfortune that has befallen someone.

  • Fate has dealt a blow to the family with this illness. (A misfortune has struck the family.)