Behooving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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behooving
[bษชหhuหvษชล ]
Definition
personal duty
To behoove is to be necessary, appropriate, or proper for someone to do something. It often implies a sense of moral obligation or duty. For example, it might be said that it would behoove someone to study for a test to ensure a good result. The term indicates an expectation that one should act in accordance with certain standards or responsibilities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- It behooves you to finish your work on time.
- As a leader, it would behoove him to listen to his team.
- It behooves every citizen to participate in the voting process.
Translations
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Origin of 'behooving'
The word 'behoove' dates back to the 14th century, originating from Middle English 'behoven', which itself comes from Old English 'behลfian'. The root 'hลf' means need, or obligation. Over time, the term evolved in English usage to express not just necessity but also the sense of moral duty or appropriateness in a specific context. Historically, it has often been used in formal or literary contexts, adding to its sense of gravitas. Writers and speakers have utilized the term to invoke a sense of obligation to act rightly or responsibly in a given situation, contributing to its lasting presence in the language.