be-

prefix Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bi-, be-; akin to Old English bī by, near — more at by 1. on ; around ; over <

bedaub

> <

besmear

> 2. to a great or greater degree ; thoroughly <

befuddle

> <

berate

> 3. excessively ; ostentatiously — in intensive verbs formed from simple verbs <

bedeck

> and in adjectives based on adjectives ending in -ed <

beribboned

> 4. about ; to ; at ; upon ; against ; across <

bestride

> <

bespeak

> 5. make ; cause to be ; treat as <

belittle

> <

befool

> <

befriend

> 6. call or dub especially excessively <

bedoctor

> 7. affect, afflict, treat, provide, or cover with especially excessively <

bedevil

> <

befog

>