behoove

[ bih-hoov ]
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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.

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.

Origin of behoove

1
First recorded before 900; Middle English behoven, Old English behōfian “to need” (behōf behoof + -ian infinitive suffix)
  • Also especially British, be·hove [bih-hohv] /bɪˈhoʊv/ .

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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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