behoove Hear it!

behoove Definition

be·hoove (bē ho̵̅o̅v′, bi-)

transitive verb -·hooved′, -·hoov′·ing

to be necessary for or incumbent upon it behooves you to think for yourself

Etymology: ME bihofian < OE behofian, to have need of < behoof

intransitive verb

Now Rare to be morally necessary or proper

behoove Synonyms

behoove

v.

be incumbent upon, be necessary, be required, be expected, be requisite, be needful, be one's obligation, be right, be proper, owe it to, be fitting, become, be worthwhile, be advantageous, benefit, profit.

behoove Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • not: Again it does not behoove the historian to speculate or embroider on the precise significance of the words employed.
  • ill: It ill behooves anyone to look down and frown at this part of the schedule.