behoove

[ bih-hoov ]

verb (used with object)

, be·hooved, be·hoov·ing.

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)

, be·hooved, be·hoov·ing.

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Which would behoove all of us right now.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

It would behoove Biden to avoid a public trial or extradition of the controversial publisher during an election year.

From Salon

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