behoove

especially British, be·hove

[bih-hoov]

verb (used with object)

behooved, behooving 

1. to be necessary or proper for, as for moral or ethical considerations; be incumbent on.

   It behooves the court to weigh evidence impartially.

2. to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage.

   It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.

   Synonyms: beseem, befit, suit, advance, better, serve, advantage, benefit

verb (used without object)

behooved, behooving 

1. Archaic.,  to be needful, proper, or due.

   Perseverance is a quality that behooves in a scholar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of behoove¹

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

Example Sentences

Financially, it would behoove Moore to keep the trade specialized and therefore more lucrative for himself.

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It would behoove Europe to get with the program.

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And one of those movies is literally called “Queer,” so it doesn’t behoove anyone for me to be coy.

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For that reason, Stutzman believes it would behoove Harris to open herself up to more interactions with the media, especially since she’s much improved from her stumbling early days as vice president.

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Which would behoove all of us right now.

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