befit in English
- befit⇄befit, transitive verb, -fitted,-fitting.
to be suitable for; be proper for; suit.
Ex. She wore a fancy dress to the picnic, which did not befit the occasion at all.
(SYN) fit, match.
befit in Konkani कोंकणी
befit in Sindhi سنڌي
befit in Telugu తెలుగు
befit
Part of Speech
Verb
Pronunciation
/bɪˈfɪt/
Definitions
- To be appropriate, suitable, or proper for a person or thing.
- To be fitting or worthy of someone or something.
Usage Examples
- The dress befits the occasion perfectly.
- Her actions befit someone of her character and grace.
Etymology
The word "befit" comes from Middle English "befiten," derived from the Old English "befitan," meaning "to fit." It combines the prefix "be-" (meaning "to make" or "to cause") and "fit," which refers to being appropriate or suitable.
Synonyms
- suit
- fit
- befit
- appropriate
- complement
Antonyms
- unsuitable
- inappropriate
- unfit
- unworthy
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | ser apropiado | /seɾ apɾoˈpjaðo/ |
| French | convenir | /kɔ̃vəniʁ/ |
| German | passen | /ˈpasn̩/ |
| Italian | stare bene | /ˈstare ˈbɛne/ |
| Portuguese | adequar-se | /adɛˈkwaɾ-si/ |
| Russian | подходить | /pɒdxɪˈtʲɪ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 适合 | /shìhé/ |
| Japanese | 似合う | /niau/ |
| Korean | 어울리다 | /eullida/ |
| Arabic | يليق | /yaliq/ |
| Hindi | योग्य होना | /yogya hona/ |
| Bengali | উপযুক্ত হওয়া | /upojukto howa/ |
| Punjabi | ਉਚਿਤ ਹੋਣਾ | /ucit hona/ |
| Telugu | అనుకూలంగా ఉండటం | /anukūlaṅgā uṇḍaṭa/ |
| Marathi | योग्य असणे | /yogya asaṇe/ |
| Gujarati | યોગ્ય હોવું | /yogya hōvu/ |
| Odia | ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ହେବା | /upayukta heba/ |
| Tamil | ஒதுக்கப்பட்டிருப்பது | /otukkappatiruppatu/ |
| Kannada | ಸೂಕ್ತವಾಗಿರುವುದು | /sūktavāgiruvaḍu/ |
| Malayalam | ചെറുതായി മാറുക | /ceṟutāyi māṟuka/ |
| Assamese | যথাযথ হ'ব | /jathajatha hobo/ |
| Sanskrit | योग्यं भवति | /yogyaṁ bhavati/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "befit" may vary slightly based on regional accents, especially in English dialects. The emphasis is typically placed on the second syllable, but some speakers may soften the "i" sound.
Historical Usage
Historically, the word "befit" was used to describe something that was appropriately suited or worthy of a person, often in literature or formal speech. It was frequently used to describe clothing, status, or actions that were in alignment with social expectations.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the concept of "befitting" someone is linked to social roles and status. In many societies, being "befitting" of a certain position or role could denote respect, dignity, or authority.
More Information
"Befit" is a term often used in formal or literary contexts. It describes something that is fitting, suitable, or appropriate for a particular person, object, or situation. The word conveys a sense of alignment with what is expected or deemed proper. Though it is not commonly used in everyday speech, it remains important in discussions of formality, etiquette, and appropriateness.