n.
Function: prefix
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bi-, be-; akin to Old English b ī by, near ― more at BY
1 : on : around : over < be daub> < be smear>
2 : to a great or greater degree : thoroughly < be fuddle> < be rate>
3 : excessively : ostentatiously ― in intensive verbs formed from simple verbs < be deck> and in adjectives based on adjectives ending in -ed < be ribboned>
4 : about : to : at : upon : against : across < be stride> < be speak>
5 : make : cause to be : treat as < be little> < be fool> < be friend>
6 : call or dub especially excessively < be doctor>
7 : affect, afflict, treat, provide, or cover with especially excessively < be devil> < be fog>