Behove

/bɪˈhəʊv/
verb

It means it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something.

It behoves the government to ensure that all citizens receive equal treatment
Visual representation of "behove" - It means it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something

Often appears as...

  • not behove someone
  • it behoves someone to do something
verb

To be appropriate or suitable, or to benefit someone.

It doesn't behove you to speak harshly at this moment
Visual representation of "behove" - To be appropriate or suitable, or to benefit someone

Often appears as...

  • not behove someone
  • it behoves someone

Usage tips

Formal

verb

It means it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something.

It behoves the government to ensure that all citizens receive equal treatment
Visual representation of "behove" - It means it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something

Often appears as...

  • not behove someone
  • it behoves someone to do something
verb

To be appropriate or suitable, or to benefit someone.

It doesn't behove you to speak harshly at this moment
Visual representation of "behove" - To be appropriate or suitable, or to benefit someone

Often appears as...

  • not behove someone
  • it behoves someone

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "behove"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Responsibility Context

Use 'behove' when indicating that someone has a moral or ethical responsibility.

Illustration for Responsibility Context
It behoves teachers to be patient with their students.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Formal Tone

'Behove' is quite formal and often used in official or serious contexts.

Illustration for Formal Tone
It would behove the committee to review the proposal thoroughly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Moral Imperative

Conveys a sense of moral duty, not just any routine responsibility.

Illustration for Moral Imperative
It behoves us all to contribute to the community's welfare.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Responsibility Context

Use 'behove' when indicating that someone has a moral or ethical responsibility.

Illustration for Responsibility Context
It behoves teachers to be patient with their students.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Formal Tone

'Behove' is quite formal and often used in official or serious contexts.

Illustration for Formal Tone
It would behove the committee to review the proposal thoroughly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Moral Imperative

Conveys a sense of moral duty, not just any routine responsibility.

Illustration for Moral Imperative
It behoves us all to contribute to the community's welfare.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Responsibility Context

Use 'behove' when indicating that someone has a moral or ethical responsibility.

Illustration for Responsibility Context
It behoves teachers to be patient with their students.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Formal Tone

'Behove' is quite formal and often used in official or serious contexts.

Illustration for Formal Tone
It would behove the committee to review the proposal thoroughly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Moral Imperative

Conveys a sense of moral duty, not just any routine responsibility.

Illustration for Moral Imperative
It behoves us all to contribute to the community's welfare.
Visual representation of the word "Behove"

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