behoove

be·hoove

B b

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [bih-hoov]
- /bɪˈhuv/
- /bɪˈhəʊv/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bih-hoov]
- /bɪˈhuv/

Definitions of behoove word

transitive verb behoove If it behooves you to do something, it is right, necessary, or useful for you to do it. 3
verb transitive behoove to be necessary for or incumbent upon 3
intransitive verb behoove to be morally necessary or proper 3
verb with object behoove to be necessary or proper for, as for moral or ethical considerations; be incumbent on: It behooves the court to weigh evidence impartially. 1
verb with object behoove to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you. 1
verb without object behoove Archaic. to be needful, proper, or due: Perseverance is a quality that behooves in a scholar. 1

See all 10 definitions of behoove

Information block about the term

Origin of behoove

First appearance:

before 900

One of the 4% oldest English words

before 900; Middle English behoven, Old English behōfian to need (behōf behoof + -ian infinitive suffix)

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Behoove

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Behoove

behoove popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 63% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

behoove usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for behoove

verb behoove

befit — If something befits a person or thing, it is suitable or appropriate for them.
suit — a set of clothing, armor, or the like, intended for wear together.
beseem — to be suitable for; befit
proper — adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; fit; suitable: the proper time to plant strawberries.

All 4 Synonyms of behoove