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Befitted: meaning, definitions and examples

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befitted

 

[ bɪˈfɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

suitable context

The word 'befitted' is the simple past tense of the verb 'befit', which means to be appropriate or suitable for someone or something. In this context, it indicates a condition where something was fitting or proper to a particular situation. This term often conveys a sense of elegance or decorum in its usage. It can be used in both formal and literary contexts to emphasize suitability.

Synonyms

appropriate, fitted, suited

Examples of usage

  • The attire befitted the formal event.
  • Her knowledge befitted her position.
  • The decoration befitted the occasion.

Translations

Translations of the word "befitted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condizia

🇮🇳 योग्य

🇩🇪 angemessen

🇮🇩 sesuai

🇺🇦 відповідний

🇵🇱 odpowiedni

🇯🇵 ふさわしい

🇫🇷 approprié

🇪🇸 adecuado

🇹🇷 uygun

🇰🇷 적절한

🇸🇦 مناسب

🇨🇿 vhodný

🇸🇰 vhodný

🇨🇳 合适的

🇸🇮 primeren

🇮🇸 hæfur

🇰🇿 лайықты

🇬🇪 მოეფერება

🇦🇿 uyğun

🇲🇽 adecuado

Etymology

The word 'befit' has its origins in Middle English, deriving from the combination of 'be-', a prefix meaning 'around' or 'about', and 'fit', which derives from Old Norse 'fitja', meaning 'to fit, to suit'. Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was utilized primarily in literary contexts to describe appropriateness in relationships, attire, or social situations. Over the centuries, the term has evolved but retained its core meaning related to suitability. The transition from its original form to modern usage reflects changes in English language patterns and the incorporation of words from different linguistic backgrounds. While 'befit' has fallen somewhat out of regular use in contemporary language, its inflected forms like 'befitted' can still be found in literary and formal writings to convey a sense of decorum and appropriateness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,742 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.