behove
Be fitting for
Behove is the British spelling of behoove, a verb meaning to be necessary or proper for someone to do something.
It appears almost exclusively in the construction it behoves someone to do something, suggesting moral obligation or practical wisdom: It behoves us to consider the consequences before acting.
The word has an old-fashioned or formal tone and is relatively uncommon in everyday speech, though it persists in written English, particularly in British usage.
Required moral task
- responsibilityState of being answerable
- necessityIndispensable requirement
- requirementMandatory condition to fulfill
- incumbentCurrent position holder
ought · must · should · fitting · proper · appropriate · needful · requisite
Fitting social conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- seemlinessAppropriate conduct quality
fittingness · appropriateness · correctness · decency · dignity · respectability · protocol · civility
duty
Required moral task
- responsibilityState of being answerable
- necessityIndispensable requirement
- requirementMandatory condition to fulfill
incumbent · ought · must · should · fitting · proper · appropriate · needful · requisite · mandate
decorum
Fitting social conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
seemliness · fittingness · appropriateness · correctness · decency · dignity · respectability · protocol · civility · politeness