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)

Explanation

To behoove someone to do something is to make it advisable or necessary to do so, for their own good or that of others. It would behoove you to study hard and work for the future you desire. It would behoove the legislature to pass a law behooving citizens to pay their taxes earlier. Behoove comes from the Old English word behofian, which means "to be of use."

Example Sentences

One would think, in order to rise to the level of a Supreme Court justice, it would behoove a person to be fond of a rigorous debate.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

“It would behoove them to do something kind to the world of architecture.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024

But it might behoove the Seahawks to play as if they must win, and maybe use that to get off to a better start and not keep playing from behind.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2023

This is a major trust issue for a lot of couples, and a serious one, so it may also behoove you to see a marriage counselor to talk it out.

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2023

Would it not behoove the Department of Homeland Security to add a name to their roster of dangerous individuals?

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers