Standard Lemma guide

bel-

prefix · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /bɛl/

1

prefix

Meaning 1

A prefix equivalent to grand-

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, morpheme, obsolete

Examples

  • belchild (“grandchild”)
  • beldame (“grandmother”)
  • belsire (“grandfather”)

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prefix

Meaning 2

Alternative form of Belgo-.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: alt-of, alternative, morpheme

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English bel (“fair, excellent"; in compounds "great-, grand-”), from Anglo-Norman bel, Old French bel (“beautiful, noble, honorable”).

Clipping of Belgian.