not to befit / become to do somehing =? to ill befit / become to do somehing

[JACEK1]

Hello everybody!

It does not befit the lion to answer the dogs.

Does the main question "It does not befit the lion to answer the dogs" mean "It does not become the lion to answer the dogs"?

I think so, but I prefer to ask you. In that case, (before checking with you about the meaning), I have arrived at a conclusion that both the sentences mean the same, namely, "It is not proper/suitable/ for the lion to answer the dogs".

Can both the sentence mentioned above, namely "It does not befit the lion to answer the dogs" and "It does not become the lion to answer the dogs" be expressed as "It ill befits the lion to answer the dogs" and "It ill becomes the lion to answer the dogs"?

Could you answer my questions and put me right where I am mistaken?

Thank you.

 

[J&K Tutoring]

No mistakes. You have a good understanding of this usage.

 

[Raymott]

Yes, it means something like that, as long as you're reading "become" in the right sense. 'Befit' - "be appropriate for, suit".
Yes, your sentences with 'ill' are OK.
'Befitting' is not exactly the same as 'becoming'. 'Befit' is more being appropriate. 'Become' means more 'suiting'. "A full, flowing mane becomes a lion".
I don't think I ever use 'befit'.