behest — an authoritative command or request
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an authoritative command or request
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈhest/
Example Sentences
- The employees worked overtime at their boss's behest, even though it was a holiday.
- At his mother's behest, Tom finally cleaned his room after three months of chaos.
- The committee was formed at the government's behest to investigate corruption.
behest
NOUN[/bɪˈhest/]
an authoritative command or request
At the king's behest, the messenger rode out at dawn to deliver the royal decree.
At her manager's behest, the assistant prepared the report before the meeting. (Think of: BEHEST → "BE! HEST!" → Imagine a commander saying: "BE ready! Do this!")
At his behest, the company honored his request and agreed to invest in the new project.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'behǽs', meaning command or vow, derived from the verb 'behātan' (to command or promise). The word is composed of the prefix 'be-' combined with 'hātan', which is related to Old High German 'heiz' meaning command.
Breakdown
be- (about/around) + hest (command/vow, from Old English hātan meaning to command) = behest (authoritative command or request)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The employees worked overtime at their boss's behest, even though it was a holiday.”
“At his mother's behest, Tom finally cleaned his room after three months of chaos.”
“The committee was formed at the government's behest to investigate corruption.”
“At her cat's apparent behest, she opened the fifth can of tuna that day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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