befit

American  

[bih-fit] / bɪˈfɪt /

verb (used with object)

befitted, befitting

1. to be proper or appropriate for; suit; fit.

   His clothes befit the occasion.

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befit British  

/ bɪˈfɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to be appropriate to or suitable for

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Other Word Forms

• befitting adjective
• befittingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of befit

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at be-, fit ¹

Example Sentences

The glitzy Sphere suits Las Vegas; a new football arena along classical lines would befit Washington, which Frederick Douglass praised for “its lofty domes and stately pillars.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Ralph Fiennes’ version befit a consummate actor who’d long cherished T.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2023

Unquestioned, unlimited authority may befit a ruler who reigns by divine right.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2023

“Minor leaguers represent our game’s future and deserve wages and working conditions that befit elite athletes who entertain millions of baseball fans nationwide,” players’ association executive director Tony Clark said in a statement.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2022

They were good boots, as befit one of Lord Tywin's men; heavy leather, oiled and supple, much finer than what Bronn was wearing.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin