befit

verb

be·​fit bi-ˈfit How to pronounce befit (audio)
bē-
befitted; befitting

transitive verb

: to be proper or becoming to
clothing that befits the occasion

Examples of befit in a Sentence

She has a mind for serious inquiry, as befits a scientist. spoke politely of the deceased, as befitted the occasion
Recent Examples on the Web But, befitting the musical comedy, that dream hits some speed bumps, including the interference of Republican lawmakers, fears of being permanently stuck in Fort Worth, Tex. and negative tabloid attention involving an alleged crime. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 The storytelling guidebook befits his narrative prowess. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Segarra’s voice has soft edges but a hard center, befitting songs in which outrage and pain simmer beneath the pastoral. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2024 His name was Vere Goldthwaite, and as befits any star’s romance, the versions of it are many. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Later that night, Yang erased Ross’s brows and drew on Ball's signature high arches, then added a strip of lashes for a very different, but equally retro look befitting the iconic TV star. Flipped-out ends seem to be an emerging trend for 2024, and Ross's retro ponytail only solidifies that. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 Jan. 2024 The Dining Room is just one example of why this lodge is befitting of queens and presidents: 130 feet long with 34-foot ceilings held up by towering rock columns, and a window framing the surrounding views. Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2024 Taft persuaded Congress to authorize funds for the construction of a building for the Court alone, befitting the status of the judiciary. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024 The letter took the position that such comments could not possibly fall under the university’s protections for free expression and called for disciplinary action befitting violations of Harvard’s code of conduct. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'befit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of befit was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near befit

Cite this Entry

“Befit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

befit

verb
be·​fit bi-ˈfit How to pronounce befit (audio)
befitted; befitting
: to be suitable to or proper for
clothes befitting the occasion

More from Merriam-Webster on befit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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