befangen

German

Etymology

The adjective was originally the past participle of now obsolete befangen (“to encompass, to surround”), from Middle High German bevāhen, from Old High German bifāhan; equivalent to be- +‎ fangen.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

befangen (comparative befangener, superlative am befangensten)

1. biased, prejudiced
2. bashful, shy, selfconscious

Derived terms

• Befangenheit