different between betimes vs betime

English

Etymology

From Middle English bitimes, from bi (“by”) + time + adverbial -s. Equivalent to by +? time +? -s, or betime +? -s. More at betime. Compare also betides.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /b??ta?mz /, /b??ta?mz/
• Rhymes: -a?mz

Adverb

betimes (not comparable)

1. (dated) In good season or time; early, especially in the morning; seasonably.
   • 1886-88, Richard F. Burton, The Supplemental Nights to the Thousand Nights and a Night:

     They slept well that night and betimes next morning the mother of Alaeddin arose and went with her bowl to the King's court which she found closed.

   • 1896, A. E. Housman, "To An Athlete Dying Young," in A Shropshire Lad:

     Smart lad to slip betimes away

     From fields where glory does not stay.

   • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 786:

     However they dined very early, for the winter dusk fell betimes at this season [...].

2. (archaic) In a short time, soon; quickly, forthwith.
   • 1898, The High History of the Holy Graal, translated by Sebastian Evans, Branch IX, Title II:

     [O]ne prayed God right heartily aloud that He would send them betimes a knight that durst convoy them through this strait pass.

   • 1839, Doctrine and Covenants 121:43^[1]:

     Reproving betimes with sharpness...and afterward showing forth an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved […]

Translations

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /b??ta?m/
• Rhymes: -a?m

Etymology 1

From Middle English bitimen (“to happen”); equivalent to be- +? time (verb). Compare betide.

Verb

betime (third-person singular simple present betimes, present participle betiming, simple past and past participle betimed)

1. (intransitive) To occur; betide.

Synonyms

• come to pass, transpire; See also Thesaurus:happen

Etymology 2

From Middle English by-tyme (“by time”); equivalent to by +? time.

Adverb

betime (not comparable)

1. Betimes.

Derived terms

• betimely
• betimes

Anagrams

• bite me