behoove Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb be appropriate or necessary
    behove.
    • It behooves us to reflect on this matter

WordNet

Be*hoove" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. bihoven, behoven, AS. behfian to have need of, fr. behf. See Behoof.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Behooved present participle & verbal noun Behooving
Definitions
  1. To be necessary for; to be fit for; to be meet for, with respect to necessity, duty, or convenience; -- mostly used impersonally.
    And thus it behooved Christ to suffer. Luke xxiv. 46.
    Also written behove.
Be*hoove" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be necessary, fit, or suitable; to befit; to belong as due. Chaucer.
Be*hoove" noun
Definitions
  1. Advantage; behoof. Obs.
    It shall not be to his behoove. Gower.

Webster 1913