behoove

American  

[bih-hoov] / bɪˈhuv /

especially British, behove

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

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verb (used without object)

behooved, behooving

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

   Perseverance is a quality that behooves in a scholar.

Etymology

Origin of behoove

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

Example Sentences

Opportunities such as this come along rarely, and it behooves retirees and near-retirees to seriously consider it for a portion of their retirement assets.

From MarketWatch

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

From Los Angeles Times

It would behoove Europe to get with the program.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Which would behoove all of us right now.

From Los Angeles Times