Behest vs. Bequest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Behest is a command or directive, while bequest refers to a gift left in a will.
Difference Between Behest and Bequest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Behest is a term used to describe a strong request or command often coming from someone in a position of authority, emphasizing the urgency or importance of the action requested. Whereas, bequest specifically pertains to the act of giving property or money through a will, highlighting its use in the context of estate planning and inheritance.
In legal and formal contexts, a behest implies an authoritative or directive nature, suggesting a requirement to comply. On the other hand, a bequest is inherently linked to legal documents pertaining to the distribution of assets after death, carrying implications for tax and inheritance law.
The usage of behest often occurs in scenarios where immediate action or obedience is expected, underlining its dynamic and commanding connotation. In contrast, bequest is typically discussed in planning stages or after an individual’s passing, focusing on the transfer of wealth or property.
While behest may not involve any physical exchange or transaction, it strongly impacts decision-making and behavior due to its commanding tone. Conversely, a bequest involves a tangible transfer of assets, which materially affects the recipient's financial or personal estate.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Command or directive
Gift left in a will
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Context of Use
Requests, authority
Wills, estate planning
Legal Implication
No legal transfer involved
Legal transfer of assets
Timing
Immediate action expected
Posthumous transfer considered
Connotation
Authoritative, urgent
Planned, legacy-oriented
Compare with Definitions
Behest
Behest refers to an authoritative command.
At the general's behest, the troops advanced.
Bequest
Bequest commonly refers to leaving property in a will.
He received a large sum of money as a bequest.
Behest
Behest implies a directive given with authority.
He organized the event at his boss’s behest.
Bequest
In legal terms, bequest is used for a gift left in a will.
Her bequest included several valuable paintings.
Behest
Behest can also denote doing something as someone's bidding.
They acted at the behest of their leader.
Bequest
Bequest can refer to an endowment given through a will.
The university benefitted from his generous bequest.
Behest
Behest can mean an urgent request.
She visited the office at the manager's behest.
Bequest
Bequest can denote inheritance specified in a will.
The antique vase was a bequest from her grandmother.
Behest
Behest sometimes represents a demand.
The committee was formed at the government's behest.
Bequest
Bequest also means a provision made in a will.
The bequest of her estate was detailed meticulously.
Behest
A person's orders or command
They had assembled at his behest
Bequest
A bequest is property given by will. Historically, the term bequest was used for personal property given by will and deviser for real property.
Behest
An authoritative command.
Bequest
A legacy
A bequest of over £300,000
Behest
An urgent request
I called the office at the behest of my assistant.
Bequest
(Law) The act of giving or leaving personal property by a will.
Behest
A command, bidding; sometimes also, an authoritative request; now usually in the phrase at the behest of.
Bequest
Something that is bequeathed; a legacy.
Behest
(obsolete) A vow; a promise.
Bequest
The act of bequeathing or leaving by will.
Behest
(obsolete) To promise; vow.
Bequest
The transfer of property upon the owner's death according to the will of the deceased.
Behest
That which is willed or ordered; a command; a mandate; an injunction.
To do his master's high behest.
Bequest
That which is left by will; a legacy.
Behest
A vow; a promise.
The time is come that I should send it her, if I keep the behest that I have made.
Bequest
That which has been handed down or transmitted.
Behest
To vow.
Bequest
A person's inheritance; an amount of property given by will.
Behest
An authoritative command or request
Bequest
(transitive) To give as a bequest; bequeath.
Bequest
The act of bequeathing or leaving by will; as, a bequest of property by A. to B.
Bequest
That which is left by will, esp. personal property; a legacy; also, a gift.
Bequest
To bequeath, or leave as a legacy.
Bequest
(law) a gift of personal property by will
Common Curiosities
How does one fulfill a behest?
Fulfilling a behest involves carrying out the commands or directives given.
What is a behest?
A behest is a command or directive, often from someone in authority.
Are bequests taxable?
Bequests can be taxable depending on the law of the land and the size of the estate.
Is a behest legally binding?
A behest itself is not legally binding unless it forms part of a contractual obligation.
Can a behest be ignored?
Ignoring a behest, especially in legal or formal contexts, may have consequences.
What is a bequest?
A bequest is a gift or inheritance left to someone in a will.
What happens if a bequest is contested?
Contested bequests can lead to legal proceedings to determine the validity of the will.
Can a behest involve money?
Typically, a behest does not involve money but is more about directives.
Who can make a bequest?
Any individual with a valid will can make a bequest.
Does a behest require a written form?
A behest does not necessarily require a written form; it can be verbal.
Can minors receive bequests?
Minors can receive bequests, but these are often managed by guardians until they come of age.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
