Happen vs. Befall — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
Happen refers to any event or occurrence, while befall implies something (often negative) happening to someone.
Difference Between Happen and Befall
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Happen is a broad term that covers any event or occurrence, whether planned or unexpected, significant or mundane. It is a neutral term that does not imply any particular outcome or emotional tone. Befall, on the other hand, is more specific and often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that an event or circumstance has occurred to someone or something, typically resulting in misfortune or harm.
While "happen" can be used in a wide range of contexts to describe events occurring in time and space, "befall" is typically reserved for situations where there is an impact on an individual or entity, often unwelcome. This distinction highlights the differing scopes and emotional implications of the two verbs.
The usage of "happen" does not inherently suggest a cause or target, making it applicable to a vast array of situations. Conversely, "befall" implies an event impacting someone or something, often beyond their control, which adds a layer of depth and specificity to its use.
In everyday language, "happen" is far more common and versatile, fitting into casual and formal contexts alike. "Befall" tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts, especially when emphasizing the gravity of an event or its consequences on a particular subject.
The versatility of "happen" allows it to describe events ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary without implying a positive or negative outcome. In contrast, "befall" is often reserved for describing events with significant, usually adverse, implications, reflecting its narrower and more targeted application.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any event or occurrence.
Something (often negative) happening to someone.
Connotation
Neutral, covers a wide range of events.
Typically negative, implies misfortune.
Usage Context
Broad, applicable in many situations.
More specific, often in formal or literary contexts.
Implication
Does not imply impact on a specific target.
Suggests an event impacting an individual or entity.
Frequency
Common and versatile.
Less common, used for specific implications.
Compare with Definitions
Happen
To take place or occur.
A strange coincidence happened at the party last night.
Befall
To become of someone as a result of fate.
What will befall the kingdom in the absence of its king?
Happen
To come to pass or transpire.
What will happen if we don't meet the deadline?
Befall
To happen to, especially suggesting misfortune.
Should any harm befall the artifact, the curse is said to activate.
Happen
To be the result of chance.
It just happened that we were both in the same city at the same time.
Befall
To occur as a negative event.
A series of unfortunate events befell the expedition team.
Happen
To encounter or meet by chance.
I happened upon an old friend while traveling.
Befall
To be subjected to (something bad).
They were befallen by misfortune throughout their journey.
Happen
To come into being or become a reality.
The best ideas happen when you least expect them.
Befall
To come to pass as an adverse circumstance.
Tragedy befell the village after the storm.
Happen
To come about as a consequence; result
Trouble always seems to happen when he's around.
Befall
To come to pass; happen
What is the worst that may befall?.
Happen
To come to pass
Where did the accident happen?.
Befall
Used with the impersonal subject it and a following clause to indicate the occurrence of a usually unexpected or chance event
"It befell that, an hour before the appointed time, she was sent for by a neighbor who had been taken ill" (Henry James).
Happen
To be the fate; become
What will happen to the business when the owner retires?.
Befall
To happen to
What befell the ship?.
Happen
To encounter something by chance
I happened upon an interesting article in the newspaper.
Befall
(transitive) To fall upon; fall all over; overtake
At dusk an unusual calm befalls the wetlands.
Happen
To come or go casually; make an appearance
My friend happened by around dinnertime.
Befall
(intransitive) To happen.
Happen
Used with the impersonal subject it and a following clause or infinitive to indicate the occurrence of a usually unexpected or chance event
It happened that I was in the shower when you called. It happened to snow on the night she was born.
Befall
(transitive) To happen to.
Temptation befell me.
Happen
To have the fortune (to be or do something); be in a situation or position (to be or do something)
The bus station happens to be close to the museum. I happen to know the answer to that question.
Befall
To fall.
Happen
Used with an infinitive to make polite requests
Do you happen to know the time?.
Befall
Case; instance; circumstance; event; incident; accident.
Happen
(intransitive) To occur or take place.
Let me tell you how it happened.
Befall
To happen to.
I beseech your grace that I may knowThe worst that may befall me.
Happen
To happen to; to befall.
Befall
To come to pass; to happen.
I have revealed . . . the discord which befell.
Happen
To do or occur by chance or unexpectedly.
Take an umbrella in case it happens to rain.
Do you happen to have an umbrella?
I happened to get wet.
Befall
Become of; happen to;
He promised that no harm would befall her
What has become of my children?
Happen
To encounter by chance.
Befall
Happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance;
It happens that today is my birthday
These things befell
Happen
Maybe, perhaps.
Happen
To come by chance; to come without previous expectation; to fall out.
There shall no evil happen to the just.
Happen
To take place; to occur.
All these things which had happened.
Happen
Come to pass;
What is happening?
The meeting took place off without an incidence
Nothing occurred that seemed important
Happen
Happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance;
It happens that today is my birthday
These things befell
Happen
Chance to be or do something, without intention or causation;
I happen to have just what you need!
Happen
Come into being; become reality;
Her dream really materialized
Happen
Come upon, as if by accident; meet with;
We find this idea in Plato
I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
Common Curiosities
How are "happen" and "befall" different in usage?
"Happen" is used broadly for any event, while "befall" is more specific to events affecting someone or something, often negatively.
What does it mean for something to happen?
To occur or take place, without implication of cause or effect on a specific target.
Can something positive befall someone?
While typically negative, "befall" can be used in positive contexts, though this is less common.
What does it mean for something to befall?
For an event, often negative, to occur to someone or something, typically suggesting misfortune or adversity.
Can "happen" and "befall" be used interchangeably?
Due to their differing connotations and contexts, they are not typically interchangeable.
How does "befall" enhance narrative or literary language?
It adds depth and gravity, often evoking a sense of fate or significant impact on the characters involved.
Is there a scenario where "befall" is the preferred term over "happen"?
In describing situations with significant, often negative, implications for someone or something, "befall" is preferred for its specificity and connotation.
Is "befall" a common word in everyday language?
No, "befall" is less common and tends to appear in more formal or literary contexts compared to the more versatile "happen."
Why is "happen" more frequently used than "befall"?
"Happen" has a broader, more neutral application, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts, unlike the more specific and often negative "befall."
Can "befall" imply positive fate or destiny?
Though rare, "befall" can be used to describe positive destiny or fate, especially in literary contexts.
Does "happen" imply causality?
"Happen" does not inherently imply causality or a specific impact on a target, making it neutral in terms of cause and effect.
Can both "happen" and "befall" be used in scientific writing?
"Happen" is more likely to be used in scientific writing due to its neutral connotation, whereas "befall" is less common and more suited to narrative or descriptive contexts.
What kind of events typically befall someone?
Events that cause misfortune, adversity, or negative outcomes are commonly described as befalling someone.
How do "happen" and "befall" contribute to the tone of a text?
"Happen" maintains a neutral tone, while "befall" can introduce a somber, dramatic, or foreboding tone.
How do the implications of "happen" and "befall" affect storytelling?
"Happen" allows for a broad range of events to be described neutrally, while "befall" focuses on impactful, often negative events, shaping narrative tension and character development.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
