behoove

verb

be·​hoove bi-ˈhüv How to pronounce behoove (audio)
bē-
behooved; behooving

transitive verb

: to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for
it behooves us to go

intransitive verb

: to be necessary, fit, or proper

Examples of behoove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Visually, we are already being cued into what is being implied by Henry’s Uncle: that Yasmin would behoove herself by becoming a Muck. Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which should behoove all of us to understand the most important aspects of breast cancer. Omer Awan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Priyanka Naik, known for her upbeat, informative videos on sustainable eating and recipes that behoove our health and the environment took part in a special operation recently with the Dream Team. Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 That behooved the Fed to take a close look at all the banks. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2023 Such disproportionate displays may especially behoove the big-bodied: Already massive moose would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between themselves and another male that’s just an inch taller at shoulder height, but a four-inch difference in antlers is far easier to spot. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2022 Khudobin’s initial recovery timeline that was announced in March put him on track to be ready for training camp, and making use of his $3.333 million cap hit would behoove the Stars. Dallas News, 18 June 2022 Does it really behoove IndyCar to turn away willing and paying participants? Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2018 Lawrence — and anyone who operates on a serial-monogamy MO — should know that STIs are out there, and prevention behooves all of us. Maria Del Russo, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English behoven, from Old English behōfian, from behōf

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of behoove was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near behoove

Cite this Entry

“Behoove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behoove. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

behoove

verb
be·​hoove bi-ˈhüv How to pronounce behoove (audio)
behooved; behooving
: to be necessary, fitting, or proper for
such behavior ill behooves you
it behooves a good citizen to obey the law

More from Merriam-Webster on behoove

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