Definition of the word occur to

The phrase "occur to" is a transitive phrasal preposition originating from Middle English, specifically the late 15th century. The verb "occur" derives from the Old French "ocurer," meaning "to happen," "to come about," or "to meet with." The preposition "to" has a few different origins but, in this instance, it's believed to have evolved from the Old English word "tō" which meant "to," "towards," or "attain." This word is a primary appositive form of the Proto-Germanic word "ta," meaning "as far as," which has roots that trace back to the Proto-Indo-European word "tei," which similarly conveyed the idea of "arriving" or "approaching." When combined, "occur to" is a phrasal preposition used to express the sudden emergence or appearance of an idea, notion, or realization within the context of the person being referred to, as if something has suddenly dawned upon them. The phrasing builds on the idea that the something under discussion has "occurred" in their mind. Over time, "occur to" has evolved into a conventional idiom in English, and can used to convey a variety of meanings, from straightforward statements to more elastic connotations like inspiration, suggestion, and supposition. Ultimately, its use illustrates the natural evolution of the English language as a dynamic and ever-changing entity.