Behove is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is still an important word to know. It is often used in formal or academic writing, and it has a specific meaning that can add depth and nuance to your language. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of behove, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Behove is a verb that means “to be necessary or appropriate for someone or something”. It is usually used in the third person singular, as in “it behoves him to do his duty”. It can also be used in the infinitive form, as in “it behoves us to be vigilant”.
Origin
Behove comes from the Old English word behofian, which means “to have need of”. It is related to the Middle Low German word behoven, which means “to befit” or “to be necessary”. The word has been in use since the 13th century, and it has undergone some changes in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, behove means “to be necessary or proper for (someone) to do something; to be incumbent or fitting for (someone) to do something”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to be necessary or right for someone”.
Associations
Behove is often associated with formal or academic language, as it is not commonly used in everyday speech. It is also associated with a sense of duty or obligation, as it implies that something is necessary or appropriate for someone to do.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of behove include:
- suit.
- accord.
- conform.
- satisfy.
- meet.
- fulfill.
- comply.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of behove include:
- misfit.
- disaccord.
- violate.
- disobey.
- neglect.
- disregard.
- ignore.
- overlook.
The same root words
Behove is derived from the Old English word behofian, which is also the root of the word behoof. Behoof is a noun that means “advantage, profit, or benefit”. It is not commonly used in modern English, but it can be found in older texts.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use behove:
- It behoves us to be honest in our dealings with others.
- It behoves the government to address the issue of climate change.
- It behoves us to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us.
- It behoves him to apologize for his rude behavior.
- It behoves us to be respectful of other cultures and traditions.