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Behoove vs Beseem - What's the difference?

behoove | beseem |

As verbs the difference between behoove and beseem

is that behoove is (us) to suit; to befit while beseem is (archaic|transitive and intransitive) to appear, seem, look (with some qualifying word).

behoove

English

Alternative forms

* behove (UK)

Verb

(behoov)
  • (US) To suit; to befit
  • * 2002 , Senator Douglas Roche, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Parliament of Canada:
    • I think it ill behooves the Government of Canada[...] to pretend that there are not these distinctions in how each of us approaches questions of security.
  • (US) To be necessary
  • (US) To be in one's best interest; to benefit
  • * 1803 , Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Benjamin Rush:
    • It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others.
  • * 2007 , Gary D. Schmidt, The Wednesday Wars , page 208
    • "It behooves' us to be prepared. We will begin a series of atomic bomb drills ..." / "Becomes necessary, Mr. Hupfer," said Mrs. Baker, "as in 'It ' behooves us to raise our hands before we ask a question."

    Related terms

    * behoof * behovely

    beseem

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic, transitive and intransitive) To appear, seem, look (with some qualifying word).
    • This inn beseems well for a weary traveller.
  • (archaic, transitive and intransitive) To be appropriate or creditable (without qualifying word).
  • * Clarendon
    • a duty well beseeming the preachers
  • * Hooker
    • What form of speech or behavior beseemeth us, in our prayers to God?
  • :* 1819': “Lady,” said Cedric, “this '''beseems not; were further pledge necessary, I myself, offended, and justly offended, as I am, would yet gage my honour for the honour of Ivanhoe.” —