English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
to be necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do
"It would behoove you to study before the exam."
third person singular form of 'behoove'; means it is proper or necessary
"It behooves every citizen to follow the law."
British spelling of 'behoove'; to be appropriate or necessary
"It would behove the company to listen to its customers."
Existence; the state of living; a living creature.
"Kindness is part of being human."
to argue or elaborate on a subject in excessive detail; to attack verbally or physically
"The professor belabored the point until the students grew restless."
to explain something repeatedly or with excessive detail; to criticize or attack verbally at length
"The teacher did not belabour the point once the students understood it."
to delay or make late
"Heavy traffic belated our arrival at the party."
coming or happening later than expected or usual
"She sent me a belated birthday card."
to secure a rope by winding it around an object; to stop or cancel an order (nautical/military use)
"The climber asked his partner to belay the rope tightly."
to expel air noisily from the stomach through the mouth; to emit or pour out suddenly and forcefully
"After drinking the soda, he belched loudly."
a type of freshwater fish found in South Asian rivers, known for its distinctive appearance
"The bele fish is commonly caught in the rivers of Bangladesh."
to cause difficulties, troubles, or harassment; to surround with military forces
"The company was beleaguered by constant complaints from its customers."
A bell tower, especially one attached to a church or building.
"The church belfry housed a large bronze bell."
To give a false impression of something; to contradict.
"His calm face belied his inner anxiety."
an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof
"Her belief in kindness inspired many people."
Able to be trusted or accepted as true or reasonable.
"Her story was so detailed that it sounded believable."
To accept something as true; to have faith or confidence in.
"She believes in the power of kindness."
a person who believes in something, especially a religious faith, idea, or principle
"She is a strong believer in hard work and honesty."
To make someone or something seem less important or less valuable.
"He often belittled his coworkers to feel superior."
a hollow object, usually made of metal, that makes a ringing sound when struck
"The school bell rang loudly at noon."
a tropical fruit with a crisp texture and sweet taste, scientifically known as Syzygium malaccense
"The bell apple tree produces beautiful red fruits that are popular in tropical regions."
A beautiful woman, especially the most attractive woman at a gathering.
"She was the belle of the ball that evening."
Showing a tendency to argue or fight; aggressive.
"His bellicose attitude often got him into unnecessary conflicts."
Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight.
"She became belligerent when the waiter got her order wrong."
A person or thing that leads or indicates a trend.
"The company is seen as a bellwether of the technology industry."
The front part of the human body below the chest; stomach or abdomen.
"He rubbed his belly after the big meal."
to be in the right place or to be a member of a group
"She felt she truly belonged to the team."
dearly loved, highly regarded
"She was the beloved queen of the kingdom."
At a lower level or position than something else.
"The basement is below the ground floor."
a strip of material worn around the waist to support clothes or as decoration
"He tightened his belt before leaving for work."
To express discontent or sorrow over something.
"Critics bemoaned the lack of diversity in the film."
To confuse or puzzle someone.
"The complex instructions bemused the new employees."
confused, puzzled, or lost in thought
"She looked bemused when he asked the strange question."
a long seat for several people, typically made of wood or stone
"They sat on the park bench watching the sunset."
a standard or point of reference against which things are compared or assessed
"The company set a new benchmark for customer service."
Comparing with a specific industry or competitor to set standards
"Companies use benchmarking to assess their performance."
to curve something or cause it to change shape; to move the body or part of it downward or forward
"She had to bend down to pick up the coin."
Easily curved or flexible.
"The bendy straw made it easier to drink from the cup."
in or to a lower position than something; under
"The cat was hiding beneath the bed."
a blessing or expression of good wishes, often at the end of a religious service
"The priest gave a final benediction before the congregation left."
a person who gives money or help to a cause or individual
"The school received a large donation from an anonymous benefactor."
a permanent church appointment for which property and income are provided
"The bishop appointed him to a wealthy benefice."
generous or doing good
"The beneficent leader donated funds to build a hospital."
producing good or helpful results; favorable or advantageous
"Regular exercise is beneficial for your health."
a person who receives something, especially money or property, from a will or insurance policy
"She is the sole beneficiary of her father’s estate."
an advantage, profit, or good effect; to receive help or an advantage
"Employees benefit from the company’s health insurance program."
the quality of being kind and generous
"Her benevolence toward the poor inspired many others to help."
well-meaning and kindly; generous
"The benevolent teacher helped students beyond the classroom."
In a state of intellectual or moral ignorance; overtaken by darkness.
"The explorers were lost in the benighted forest without any guide."
Gentle, kind, or not harmful (especially of a disease or tumor).
"The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign."