Definition of betide

The origin of the word "betide" can be traced back to the Old English word bedūtan, meaning "to happen" or "to come about." This word evolved over time, with the Middle English form bieten eventually leading to the modern English "betide." In Old English, bedūtan could also take the form bedādan, which was closely related to the verb dādan, meaning "to give." This connection highlights the idea that events or situations are somehow given, as if they arise outside of our control. The word "betide" has retained this meaning over the centuries. It's often used to describe something that happens or unfolds, particularly in a way that isn't directly attributed to human agency. For example, we might say "the weather betide us" to express that the weather will be what it will be, no matter what we do. In traditional Shakespearean English, "betide" was sometimes used in place of the modern word "become," as in "let her be what she betide" or "let him have what he betide." This usage has largely fallen out of use, as "become" has become more common in contemporary English. Overall, the history of "betide" reflects the way that Old English words related to fate, luck, and chance have persisted in the English language over the centuries. Even as our understanding of causality and agency has evolved, words like "betide" serve as reminders of the many forces that remain outside of our control.