Behest Meaning in English

word

US

bɪˈhɛst

bi-HEST

UK

bɪhˈɛst

bi-HEST

Definition

A request, order, or command given by someone in authority, often used in formal or literary contexts.

Usage & Nuances

'Behest' is formal and literary, rarely used in daily conversation. Common phrases: 'at someone's behest.' It usually refers to following an order or request from someone powerful. Do not use as a synonym for 'suggestion' or casual 'request.'

• Spanish: orden - mandato (formal)
• Portuguese (BR): ordem (formal) - solicitação (formal)
• Portuguese (PT): ordem (formal) - solicitação (formal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 命令（正式） - 吩咐（正式）
• Chinese (Traditional): 命令（正式） - 吩咐（正式）
• Hindi: आदेश (औपचारिक) - अनुरोध (औपचारिक)
• Arabic: أمر (رسمي) - طلب (رسمي)
• Bengali: আদেশ - নির্দেশ - অনুরোধ (সাধারণত আধিকারিকভাবে)
• Russian: повеление - распоряжение - приказ
• Japanese: 要請（ようせい）- 命令（めいれい）
• Vietnamese: mệnh lệnh - yêu cầu (trang trọng)
• Korean: 명령 - 지시 (격식체)
• Turkish: emir - buyruk
• Urdu: حکم - فرمان - حکم (اعلیٰ عہدیدار کی طرف سے)
• Indonesian: perintah - titah (resmi/sastra)

Example Sentences

He joined the committee at his manager's behest.

basic

At the king's behest, the soldiers marched forward.

basic

She acted at her friend's behest and spoke at the meeting.

basic

The project was launched at the CEO's behest.

natural

At the president's behest, the meeting was postponed until next week.

natural

Everyone attended the ceremony at the mayor's behest.

natural