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.

It would not beseem my insignificance to intrude upon him now.

From Barclay of the Guides by Strang, Herbert

Tell me what,-- Thou speak'st of matters which beseem thee not.

From The Banished A Swabian Historical Tale. In Three Volumes. by Hauff, Wilhelm

“These I will not wear,” bold Ramund he said, “They beseem me not fair,” said Ramund the young.

From The Fountain of Maribo and other ballads by Wise, Thomas James

At him to whom all are hurrying like ants to honey; but it does not beseem me to mention his name, for I have always hated boastfulness.

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

There she stood With such a gentle pleasure in her looks As might beseem a river-nymph's soft eyes Gracing a bridal of the race whose flocks Were pastured on the borders of her stream.

From Poetical Works of William Cullen Bryant Household Edition by Stoddard, Richard Henry

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