Befall Meaning in English
word
bɪˈfɔɫ
bih-FAWL
bɪfˈɔːl
bih-FAWL
Definition
If something (usually bad or unfortunate) befalls someone, it happens to them.
Usage & Nuances
'Befall' is formal and most often refers to negative or unfortunate events. Used mainly in writing, literature, or formal speech. Typical pattern is 'befall someone'. Rarely used in informal conversation; don't use it for positive events.
Spanish: suceder - acontecer (algo negativo)Portuguese (BR): acontecer (algo ruim) - sucederPortuguese (PT): acontecer (algo mau) - sucederChinese (Simplified): 降临 (多指不幸) - 发生Chinese (Traditional): 降臨 (多指不幸) - 發生Hindi: घटना (अक्सर कुछ बुरा) - आ पड़नाArabic: يحدث (غالباً أمر سلبي) - يصيبBengali: আঘাত আসা - বিপদ ঘটানোRussian: постигать - случаться (обычно о плохом)Japanese: 降りかかる - 起こる（よくないこと）Vietnamese: xảy đến - ập đến (thường là điều xấu)Korean: 닥치다 - 일어나다 (주로 나쁜 일)Turkish: başına gelmek - olmak (genellikle kötü olaylar)Urdu: پیش آنا - واقع ہونا (عمومًا کسی بُری بات کا)Indonesian: menimpa - terjadi pada (biasanya hal buruk)
Example Sentences
Misfortune may befall anyone at any time.
basic
No one expected such tragedy to befall the city.
basic
Illness can befall even the healthiest person.
basic
Who knows what may befall us tomorrow?
natural
We hope no further disasters will befall this region.
natural
May good luck befall you on your journey!
natural