Behavior
/bɪˈheɪvjər/
Definitions
The way a person or thing acts or behaves.
/bɪˈheɪvjər/
The way in which someone conducts themselves.
His behavior was unacceptable.
💡 Simply: How someone or something acts.
More Examples
Animal behavior is fascinating.
How It's Used
"The psychologist studied the child's behavior."
"The teacher addressed the disruptive behavior in the classroom."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
on one's best behavior
Behaving in a polite and well-mannered way, especially in a formal setting.
"She was on her best behavior at the dinner party."
From Middle English behavyour, from Old French behaveor, from behaveir, from Latin habere "to have, hold". The original meaning related to bearing or conduct.
The word has consistently referred to conduct and mannerisms throughout history, with increasing usage in psychology and related fields in the modern era.
Memory tip
Think of 'have' - how you 'have' yourself in public.
Word Origin
"to have, to hold (referring to oneself)"