beseem

American

[bih-seem] / bɪˈsim /

verb (used with object)

to be fit for or worthy of; become.

conduct that beseems a gentleman.

verb (used without object)

to be suitable or fitting.

beseem British

/ bɪˈsiːm /

verb

archaic to be suitable for; befit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

unbeseeming adjective

Etymology

Origin of beseem

First recorded in 1175–1225, beseem is from the Middle English word bisemen. See be-, seem

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But, after this, it would not beseem me to do else than record the fact that the new suburban district springing up beside the road, half a mile past Welling, is called “Crook Log.”

From The Dover Road Annals of an Ancient Turnpike by Harper, Charles G.

Then the servant answered: "All this I know; but we have fared so ill in this house that mirth and laughter ill beseem us."

From Heroines That Every Child Should Know Tales for Young People of the World's Heroines of All Ages by Various

He sent new milk to the ladies and little wheaten cakes with limpid golden honey, as might beseem fastidious ladies' lips.

From The Hour Will Come: Volumes I and II A Tale of an Alpine Cloister by Hillern, Wilhelmine von

Entertain them as I know thou canst; but ask them neither their names, nor whither they journey: that would not beseem thee.

From The Childhood of King Erik Menved An Historical Romance by Ingemann, Bernhard Severin

Does it beseem a grown-up man like you to be as disobedient as a capricious child?

From The Slaves of the Padishah by J?kai, M?r

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023