beseem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary, Archaic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “beseem” mean?
To be fitting or appropriate for someone or something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be fitting or appropriate for someone or something; to suit.
To be seemly, proper, or decorous in relation to a person's character, status, or circumstances. Often implies a moral or social appropriateness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes a formal, old-fashioned, or poetic style.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both British and American English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical texts or deliberate archaic stylings.
Grammar
How to Use “beseem” in a Sentence
It + beseem + NP (to-infinitive)It + beseem + NP + that-clause (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beseem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It hardly beseeems a person of your education to make such remarks.
- Such levity did not beseem the solemnity of the occasion.
American English
- It ill beseeems a public official to show such bias.
- The grand palace beseeemed the powerful monarch who resided there.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in literary analysis or historical linguistics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beseem”
- Using it in active voice with a personal subject (e.g., 'He beseeems' is incorrect).
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'seem'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is very rarely used outside of literary or deliberately old-fashioned contexts.
No, it is almost exclusively used impersonally with 'it' as the subject (e.g., It beseeems me to...).
'Seem' relates to appearance or impression ('He seems tired'). 'Beseem' relates to suitability or propriety ('It beseeems him to be generous'). They are not synonyms.
In their core meaning of 'to be appropriate for,' they are synonyms. However, 'befit' is the standard modern word, while 'beseem' is archaic.
To be fitting or appropriate for someone or something.
Beseem is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Beseem: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsiːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsim/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It ill beseeems (someone) (to do something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It would BE SEEMly for a king to act with dignity. BE SEEMly = BESEEM.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROPRIETY IS A GARMENT (It becomes him, it suits him, it doesn't beseem him).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'beseem' be most appropriately used today?