The "Be-" Prefix: Intensive and Causative Meanings in 9+ Words
The Old English prefix "be-" appears in 9+ words with multiple functions: making verbs from nouns/adjectives, intensifying actions, and expressing thoroughness.
Causative: Making
Befriend (make a friend), becalm (make calm), bewitch (make bewitched)—"be-" creates verbs meaning "to make [X]."
Intensive: Thoroughly
Besiege (surround completely), besmirch (soil thoroughly), bedazzle (dazzle intensely)—"be-" intensifies the action.
Covering/Surrounding
Bespatter (spatter all over), becloud (cloud over), bejewel (cover with jewels)—"be-" indicates covering completely.
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Conclusion
Though less productive than Latin prefixes, "be-" creates distinctive intensifying and causative vocabulary in English.
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