behavior

Meaning

1. (US, uncountable, usually) Human conduct relative to social norms.
2. (US, countable, uncountable, usually) The way a living creature behaves or acts generally.
3. (US, informal, uncountable, usually) A state of probation about one's conduct.
4. (US, countable, uncountable, usually) Observable response produced by an organism.
5. (US, uncountable, usually) The way a device or system operates.

Synonyms

behaviour

conduct

deportment

manners

bearing

demeanor

action

manner

attitude

comportment

behaviour

act

demeanour

character

deed

customs

🛃

treatment

habits

doings

gesture

deportment manner

activity

one’s daily life

temperament

virtues

operation

move

movements

performance

lifestyle

care

beneficence

ascendance

decorum

custody

mechanics

cry

😢

benefaction

agency

course

maintenance

imitation

control

holding

grip

mannerisms

governance

composure

method

attendance

Translations

comportement

Benehmen

Verhalten

comportamento

comportamiento

Betragen

gedrag

conduite

conducta

davranış

Pronounced as (IPA)

/bɪˈheɪvjɚ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: behavoure

Cognate with Scots: havings

In summary

From Middle English behavoure, behaver, from behaven (modern behave), with the ending apparently in imitation of havour (see 'havior), a corruption of Old French aveir and/or avoir (“a having”), ultimately from Latin habēre. Compare Scots havings (“behavior”), from have (“to behave”). Replaced Old English ġebǣru.

Sentences

" I'm observing passive-aggressive behavior ", the psychologist said in a professional tone .