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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Updown girl buried with adornments befitting the seventh-century Anglo-Saxon elite had a sub-Saharan African grandparent, and the Slavicization of Eurasia was the result of east-to-west migration rather than of top-down imposition by Slavic elites. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025 The pair, along with a live band, gave the song an intimate, psychedelic vibe that befitted its inspiration. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025 Her twirls and spins are more careful, as befits a septuagenarian, and each was cheered enthusiastically by a crowd urging her on. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025 While each leader will act in ways befitting their unique situation, there are at least four common ingredients for success. Carolyn Dewar, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for befit

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/befit. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!