Pronunciation: [bɪhˈuːvd] (IPA) 
The word "behooved" is a verb that means it is necessary or appropriate to do something. It is spelled with two "o"s in the middle, as in "behooved," to indicate the long "u" sound /uː/, which is notated in IPA as /uʊ/. Without the second "o," the word would be pronounced with a short "u" sound /ʊ/ instead of a long one. The spelling of "behooved" is important in conveying the correct pronunciation and meaning of the word.
Behooved is the past tense and past participle of the verb "behoove." The term "behoove" is an archaic verb that is primarily used in formal or literary contexts, and it is often seen as an old-fashioned or outdated word in modern English.
To behoove means to be necessary or appropriate for someone. It suggests a moral or social obligation, implying that it is one's duty or responsibility to do something. The term often indicates that a certain action or behavior is advantageous or beneficial for someone.
In practical terms, when something behooves a person, it means that it is in their best interest or is the right thing for them to do. It may involve fulfilling certain responsibilities, meeting obligations, or engaging in actions that are considered reasonable or advisable in a given situation.
For example, it may be said that it behooves a student to study diligently in order to succeed academically. In this context, it emphasizes the idea that studying is not just a good idea, but is necessary or beneficial to achieve good grades and reach educational goals.
Overall, the usage of "behooved" conveys the sense of duty, necessity, or advantage, and often implies a moral or societal expectation that an action is relevant or important for someone to undertake.
The word "behooved" originated in Middle English as "bihoven" or "bihovenen". It is derived from the Old English word "behōfian", which translates to "to have need of" or "to be necessary for". The word is a combination of "be-" (an intensifying prefix) and "hōf", meaning "need" or "requirement". Over time, "behōfian" transformed into "behooven" in Middle English and eventually "behooved" in Modern English.
