Behest

An authoritative command (e.g., "At the CEO's behest, the meeting was rescheduled"). Usage and Etymology

The word is an ancient and formal term that carries significantly more weight than a simple "request". It typically refers to an authoritative order or an urgent prompting. Understanding the Nuance behest

Unlike "request," "behest" is strictly a noun. You cannot "behest" someone; you act according to their behest. An authoritative command (e

The word is nearly a thousand years old, originating from Old English hātan (to command or promise). It formerly meant "promise," as seen in the obsolete phrase "the land of behest". Common Synonyms An authoritative command (e.g.

You will almost always see this word used in the construction "at the behest of" or "at someone's behest" .