befittingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "befittingly" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is appropriate or suitable in a particular situation. For example, "He wore a befittingly smart suit for the job interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Befittingly for a more transcendent genius than his great grandpa Sigmund, the now Lord Freud is the Coalition's welfare reform minister in the Lords.

Independent

The Americans had barely settled into the restart when Fujita scooped up the ball to launch a fresh wave of attacks, which befittingly ended with Fujita himself scoring off the back of a maul.

Independent

In one way he was, befittingly, "wired"; that is, he had to take the buds out of his ears and disengage himself from his little red Zune in order to talk.

The New Yorker

Today their sustainable farm operates at a befittingly high level, generating enough heritage-breed meat and heirloom vegetables for 300 C.S.A. members and four farmers' markets in the Raleigh-Durham area, as well as the Raleigh restaurant Zely & Ritz, which Holcomb owns with its chef, Sarig Agasi (who is also a partner in Eno).

The New York Times

PARIS — A war of words between an American novelist and the prime minister of Turkey over press freedom is playing out in a befittingly public venue: in newspapers and on Web sites.

The New York Times

Kitty Empire The aching melancholy of James Blake's Overgrown became a befittingly sombre soundtrack in the frosty month of April.

The Guardian - Music

It came true on July 1 of 2013, when the official EU accession ceremony was, befittingly, held in the capital's main square.

The Guardian

The semicolon, befittingly, symbolizes a wink.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "befittingly" to add a touch of formality when describing actions or appearances that are particularly appropriate for a specific context. This can enhance the perceived sophistication and attention to detail in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "befittingly" in casual or informal writing; its formal tone can seem out of place and overly pretentious. Opt for more relaxed synonyms like "appropriately" or "suitably" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "befittingly" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something that is appropriate or suitable in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "befittingly" is a grammatically sound adverb used to describe actions or qualities that are especially suitable or appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, advising that it is suitable for describing actions that are well-suited to a particular situation. While not as common as synonyms like "appropriately" or "suitably", "befittingly" adds a touch of formality and is frequently found in news and media sources. When using this word, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fittingly

This alternative closely mirrors "befittingly", highlighting how well something matches or is appropriate for a specific situation.

appropriately

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the suitability of an action or manner to a specific context or purpose.

suitably

This emphasizes the fitness of something for a particular purpose or occasion, similar to "befittingly" but slightly more general.

aptly

This conveys the idea that something is perfectly suited or expressed in a way that is particularly relevant and effective.

in a way that is suitable

This phrases it by describing an action or style as suitable, indicating that it fits well or is correct for a specific purpose or scenario.

in a manner that is appropriate

This expands "befittingly" into a longer phrase, clarifying the idea of acting or existing in a way that aligns with expectations or standards.

as befits the occasion

This phrases it specifying that the action is matching or right for the event, highlighting its relevance to the event.

as is proper

This suggests that something is done or exists according to established customs, rules, or standards of conduct.

in accordance with expectations

This explicitly frames the action as aligning with what is anticipated or considered normal in a given context.

with due decorum

This indicates behavior that is respectful and proper, especially in a formal or public setting.

FAQs

How can I use "befittingly" in a sentence?

You can use "befittingly" to describe actions or appearances that are particularly suitable or appropriate for a specific situation. For instance, "He wore a "befitting suit" for the important meeting".

What are some alternatives to "befittingly"?

Some alternatives to "befittingly" include "appropriately", "suitably", or "fittingly". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "befittingly" a common word to use?

"Befittingly" is not as common as synonyms like "appropriately" or "suitably". It's more often found in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated tone.

What's the difference between "befittingly" and "appropriately"?

While both words suggest something is suitable, "befittingly" implies a greater sense of decorum or formality. "Appropriately" is a more general term, while "befittingly" suggests something is especially suitable given the context or expectations.