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

And it behooves city fathers and mothers to take this sentiment seriously, if they wish to keep mothering and fathering.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's important to remember that our words and our nonverbal behaviors are taken to heart by those we care for, and it behooves us to care about them as well."

From Science Daily

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

From Los Angeles Times