Behave
/bɪˈheɪv/
verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To act or conduct oneself in a specified manner, especially in a way considered proper or appropriate.
/bɪˈheɪv/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To act in a particular way
The dog behaved badly.
💡 Simply: To act in a certain way.
More Examples
2
He behaved himself at the formal dinner.
How It's Used
Everyday Life
"The children behaved well at the party."
Education
"Students are expected to behave respectfully towards teachers."
Idioms & expressions
behave oneself
To act properly or appropriately.
"Please behave yourselves, children."
From Old French *behavier, from be- + Old French avoir 'to have'. The original sense was 'to conduct oneself', emphasizing the 'having' of conduct or manner.
Historically, the word's usage emphasized outward conduct and social decorum more strongly than it does today.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'have' in the word, signifying having control over one's actions.
Practice
Base: behave
behaveiourbehaive
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written