Old English · prefix
be-
around; thoroughly; make or affect
Forms
- be-
Origin
Proto-Germanic *bi, ‘by; near; around.’
Note
Often turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning to treat something in that way.
Words sharing this root
becomeTo suit someone's appearance or character.becomeTo begin to be something different.befallTo happen to someone, especially as a misfortune.befoulTo make dirty or impure.begrudgeTo resent what someone else has or enjoys.beheadTo cut off someone's head.beholdTo look at or notice something, especially something remarkable.beholdenOwing someone gratitude or a favor in return for help.belaySecuring a climber with a rope.belieTo give an impression that hides or contradicts the truth.bemoanTo express sorrow or dissatisfaction about something.beneathIn or to a lower position than something.bequeathTo pass something on to others as a legacy.beseechTo ask someone urgently and earnestly.besetTo trouble persistently.bespeakTo be a sign of something.bestrideTo stand or sit across something with a part on either side.bethinkTo turn one's mind to a matter.betokenTo be a sign of something.betrothTo promise someone in marriage.bewitchTo bring someone under a magical spell.beyondFarther than a specified boundary.butIntroduces an exception or contrast to what was said.butintroduces an unavoidable result after a negative statementbutno more than