behavior

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Etymology

From Middle English behavoure, behaver, from behaven (modern behave), with the ending apparently in imitation of havour (see 'havior).

Pronunciation

• (America) IPA: /bɪˈheɪvjɚ/
• (RP) IPA: /bɪˈheɪvjə/

Noun

behavior (uncountable) (American spelling)

1. (uncountable) Human conduct relative to social norms.
2. (countable, uncountable) The way a living creature behaves or acts generally.
3. (uncountable, informal) A state of probation about one's conduct.

   He was on his best behavior when her family visited.

4. (countable, uncountable, biology, psychology) Observable response produced by an organism.
5. (uncountable) The way a device or system operates.

Related terms

• behave

Translations

• French: comportement
• German: Verhalten, Benehmen, Betragen, Verhaltensweise, Gebaren
• Italian: comportamento
• Portuguese: comportamento, conduta
• Russian: поведе́ние
• Spanish: comportamiento, conducta, proceder

Translations

• French: comportement, conduite
• German: Verhalten, Betragen, Benehmen, Verhaltensweise, Führung
• Italian: comportamento, condotta
• Portuguese: comportamento
• Russian: поведе́ние
• Spanish: comportamiento

Translations

• Portuguese: comportamento

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