What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
behest
Example
The boss issued a behest for all employees to attend the meeting. [behest: noun]
Example
She completed the task at his behest. [behest: noun]
order
Example
The teacher gave an order for the students to line up. [order: noun]
Example
He ordered her to leave the room immediately. [ordered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Order is more commonly used than behest in everyday language. Order is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while behest is less common and typically used in more formal or legal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between behest and order?
While behest is typically associated with a formal and official tone, order is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.