at the behest of

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/æt ðə bɪˈhest əv/
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Because someone asked or ordered it.
Practice using at the behest of in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • They withdrew the proposal at the behest of investors.
  • The review began at the behest of the mayor.
  • The meeting was held at the behest of the union.
  • She changed the plan at the behest of her adviser.
  • The inquiry opened at the behest of parliament.

Similar words

on the orders of
at the direction of
at the request of

Meanings

On another person’s request

authority
formal
Done because a particular person or group requested or directed the action.

Examples

  • The review began at the behest of the mayor.
  • The meeting was held at the behest of the union.
  • She changed the plan at the behest of her adviser.
  • The inquiry opened at the behest of parliament.
  • They withdrew the proposal at the behest of investors.

Similar words

at the request of
on the orders of
at the direction of

Etymology

At introduces the circumstance, behest means a request or order, and of identifies the person who gave it.

FAQ

What does at the behest of mean?

At the behest of means because someone asked or ordered it.

When is at the behest of used?

It is often used for official decisions or organizational actions.

How does at the behest of differ from because of?

Because of names any cause; at the behest of identifies a person or group that requested action.

How is at the behest of used in a sentence?

The review began at the behest of the mayor.

Is at the behest of formal?

Yes. It sounds formal, especially in news and official writing.

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