What does the prefix be- mean?

The prefix "be-" is a tricky one because it has multiple meanings and can even change the meaning of the word it's attached to. Here's a breakdown of its common uses:

1. "To make" or "to cause to be"

* Example: "befriend" means to make someone a friend.

* Other examples: become, befog, bewilder, belittle, bemuse, bewitch

2. "To be in a state of" or "to experience"

* Example: "besieged" means to be under attack or surrounded.

* Other examples: behold, believe, belong, behave, betray, bemoan

3. "To add to" or "to increase"

* Example: "bejewel" means to add jewels to something.

* Other examples: belabor, besiege, bedeck, befog

4. "To make into" or "to transform"

* Example: "behead" means to make someone headless.

* Other examples: bequeath, besiege, bemuse, bewilder

5. "To move or go"

* Example: "begone" means to go away.

* Other examples: behold, become

It's important to note that the meaning of "be-" can be influenced by the word it's attached to. It's best to consider the context of the word and its overall meaning to determine the exact function of the prefix.

Let me know if you want to explore examples of specific words with the "be-" prefix!