Behest vs Bequest: Meaning And Differences

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words behest and bequest? While they may sound similar, they have entirely different meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two words and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each one.

It’s important to note that behest and bequest are not interchangeable. Behest refers to a command or an authoritative order, while bequest refers to the act of leaving something to someone in a will.

For example, if your boss tells you to complete a task, you are following their behest. On the other hand, if your grandfather leaves you his antique watch in his will, it is a bequest.

It’s easy to see how these two words can be confused, but understanding their definitions can help you use them correctly in your writing. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the meanings of behest and bequest and provide examples of how to use them in different contexts.

Define Behest

Behest refers to a request or command given by someone in authority. It is an authoritative order or directive which is expected to be followed by the recipient. The term is commonly used in legal and formal contexts, and is often associated with a sense of obligation or duty on the part of the person who receives the behest.

Behest can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to business dealings. For example, a CEO might issue a behest to their employees to work overtime in order to meet a deadline. Alternatively, a parent might issue a behest to their child to clean their room before they can go out and play with friends.

Define Bequest

Bequest, on the other hand, refers to a gift or legacy that is left to someone in a will. It is a transfer of property or assets from one person to another after the death of the person making the bequest. The term is most commonly used in legal contexts and is associated with the distribution of an estate or inheritance.

Bequests can take many forms, from cash and property to stocks and bonds. They can be left to individuals, organizations, or even pets. In order for a bequest to be legally binding, it must be made in writing and signed by the person making the bequest, also known as the testator.

It is important to note that bequests are typically made as part of a larger estate plan, which may also include trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal instruments. Bequests can be used to provide for loved ones, support charitable causes, or even establish a legacy for future generations.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly is important for effective communication. It is essential to understand the difference between similar-sounding words, such as behest and bequest. Here’s how to use them properly in a sentence:

How To Use Behest In A Sentence

Behest is a noun that refers to a command or request. It is often used in formal or legal contexts. Here are some examples of how to use behest in a sentence:

• At the behest of the CEO, the company implemented a new policy.
• The judge’s ruling was at the behest of the plaintiff’s lawyer.
• The project was completed at the behest of the client.

As seen in the examples, behest is used to describe a request or command made by someone in authority. It is often followed by the preposition ‘of’ to indicate the person or entity making the request.

How To Use Bequest In A Sentence

Bequest is a noun that refers to a gift or legacy left in a will. It is often used in legal or financial contexts. Here are some examples of how to use bequest in a sentence:

• The museum received a bequest of valuable artwork from a generous donor.
• Her grandfather’s bequest allowed her to attend her dream college.
• The charity was surprised to receive a large bequest from an anonymous donor.

As seen in the examples, bequest is used to describe a gift or legacy left in a will. It is often followed by the preposition ‘of’ to indicate the person or entity receiving the gift.

By understanding the difference between behest and bequest, you can use these words correctly in various contexts and avoid confusion in your writing.

More Examples Of Behest & Bequest Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how behest and bequest are used in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the context in which these words are commonly used.

Examples Of Using Behest In A Sentence

• At the behest of her boss, she stayed late to finish the project.
• The politician acted at the behest of his wealthy donors.
• He only went to the party at the behest of his girlfriend.
• At the behest of his doctor, he started taking medication for his high blood pressure.
• The company made changes to their policies at the behest of their customers.
• The coach made substitutions at the behest of the team captain.
• The artist painted the portrait at the behest of the subject’s family.
• The committee made a decision at the behest of the chairman.
• The CEO made the announcement at the behest of the board of directors.
• The soldier carried out the mission at the behest of his commanding officer.

Examples Of Using Bequest In A Sentence

• Her grandmother left her a bequest of $10,000 in her will.
• The museum received a valuable bequest of artwork from a generous donor.
• He made a bequest of his antique car collection to his son.
• The university received a bequest of land from a former professor.
• She made a bequest of her jewelry to her favorite charity.
• The library received a bequest of rare books from a local collector.
• He left a bequest of his entire estate to his wife.
• The hospital received a bequest of medical equipment from a grateful patient.
• She made a bequest of her family’s heirloom china to her daughter.
• The foundation received a bequest of stocks and bonds from a generous benefactor.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “behest” and “bequest,” it’s easy to get them confused. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and use them correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Bequest” Instead Of “Behest”

One common mistake is using “bequest” when you really mean “behest.” While these two words sound similar, they have different meanings. “Bequest” refers to something that is left to someone in a will, while “behest” refers to a command or request.

For example, if someone tells you to do something at their behest, they are giving you a command or request. If someone leaves you money in their will, that is a bequest.

Using “Behest” Instead Of “Request”

Another mistake people make is using “behest” when they really mean “request.” While these two words are similar in meaning, “behest” has a stronger connotation of command or urgency.

For example, if your boss asks you to complete a project by the end of the day, that is a request. If your boss tells you to complete the project at their behest, it implies a stronger sense of urgency or importance.

Using “Bequest” As A Verb

One mistake to avoid is using “bequest” as a verb. “Bequest” is a noun and should not be used as a verb. Instead, use a more appropriate verb such as “leave” or “bequeath.”

For example, instead of saying “I bequest this money to my daughter,” you should say “I leave this money to my daughter” or “I bequeath this money to my daughter.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Take the time to understand the differences between “behest” and “bequest.”
• Double-check your usage before sending important emails or documents.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or ask someone for help.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words behest and bequest, context is everything. Both words have similar meanings, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help you choose the right word for your writing.

Behest

The word behest is often used in the context of a request or an order. It implies that someone is asking or commanding another person to do something. For example:

• At the behest of his boss, John stayed late to finish the project.
• The politician acted at the behest of his constituents.

As you can see, behest is often used in a professional or formal context. It is a word that implies authority and power. If you want to convey a sense of urgency or importance, behest is the right word to use.

Bequest

Bequest, on the other hand, is often used in the context of a will or a gift. It implies that someone is leaving something to another person after they die. For example:

• She left a bequest of $10,000 to her alma mater.
• His grandfather’s bequest included a collection of rare books.

As you can see, bequest is often used in a personal or familial context. It is a word that implies generosity and inheritance. If you want to convey a sense of legacy or tradition, bequest is the right word to use.

When choosing between behest and bequest, it’s important to consider the context in which you are using the word. If you are writing about a professional or formal situation, behest is the right word to use. If you are writing about a personal or familial situation, bequest is the right word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using behest and bequest are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the usage may not be as clear-cut. Below are some of the exceptions and explanations for each case:

Legal Terminology

When it comes to legal terminology, bequest is the preferred term to use. This is because it specifically refers to the act of leaving property or assets to someone in a will. In legal documents, it is important to use precise language to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Old English Language

In older English texts, behest was sometimes used to refer to the act of leaving property in a will. However, this usage is no longer common and can be confusing to modern readers. It is generally best to stick with the modern usage of bequest in legal documents and other formal writing.

Informal Speech

In informal speech or writing, the rules for using behest and bequest may not be as strict. In some cases, the two terms may be used interchangeably without causing confusion. However, it is still important to use the correct term in formal writing to avoid any misunderstandings.

Regional Variations

There may be regional variations in the usage of behest and bequest. For example, in some parts of the world, one term may be more commonly used than the other. It is important to be aware of these variations when communicating with people from different regions.

Contextual Usage

Finally, the context in which the terms are used may also affect their usage. For example, if you are writing a historical novel set in medieval times, the term behest may be more appropriate than bequest to maintain the authenticity of the language used in that time period.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using behest and bequest, it is important to use the correct term in formal writing and legal documents to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between behest and bequest, let’s put our knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

1. The billionaire left a generous _________ in his will for his favorite charity.	____________
2. At the __________ of her boss, she took on the new project.	____________
3. The politician made a __________ to her constituents to improve education funding.	____________

Answer Key:

1. bequest

2. behest

3. behest

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (behest or bequest) to complete each sentence.

1. She made a __________ to her family to donate her organs.
2. The CEO left a generous __________ to his employees in his will.
3. At the __________ of his commanding officer, he went on a dangerous mission.
4. The philanthropist’s __________ helped fund the new hospital wing.

Answer Key:

1. behest
2. bequest
3. behest
4. bequest

By completing these practice exercises, you should have a better understanding of how to properly use behest and bequest in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to ensure that you are using the correct word for the situation.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between behest and bequest, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and usage in the English language.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Behest refers to a request or command, while bequest refers to a gift or inheritance.
• It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning in written or spoken communication.
• Other similar-sounding words, such as bereft and bestow, also have different meanings and should be used appropriately.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding one’s knowledge. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and confidently in both personal and professional settings.