Behave: meaning, definitions and examples

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behave

[ bɪˈheɪv ]

^{Context #1}

social interaction

To behave means to conduct oneself in a particular way, especially in social or professional situations. It includes following social norms, being polite, and acting appropriately.

Synonyms

act, comport, conduct

Examples of usage

He always behaves well in public.
It's important to behave respectfully in the workplace.

^{Context #2}

animal behavior

In the context of animal behavior, to behave refers to the actions and reactions of an organism in response to its environment. It includes both instinctual and learned behaviors.

Synonyms

act, react, respond

Examples of usage

The dog was trained to behave around strangers.
The monkeys behaved differently when the zookeeper entered their enclosure.

^{Context #3}

technical usage

In technical contexts, to behave refers to the way in which a system or device performs according to a specified set of conditions or requirements.

Synonyms

function, operate, perform

Examples of usage

The software must behave predictably under different operating conditions.
The material needs to behave consistently under stress tests.

Translations

Translations of the word "behave" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comportar-se

🇮🇳 व्यवहार करना

🇩🇪 sich verhalten

🇮🇩 berperilaku

🇺🇦 поводитися

🇵🇱 zachowywać się

🇯🇵 振る舞う (ふるまう)

🇫🇷 se comporter

🇪🇸 comportarse

🇹🇷 davranmak

🇰🇷 행동하다 (haengdonghada)

🇸🇦 يتصرف

🇨🇿 chovat se

🇸🇰 správať sa

🇨🇳 表现 (biǎoxiàn)

🇸🇮 obnašati se

🇮🇸 hegða sér

🇰🇿 өзін ұстау

🇬🇪 თავის დაჭერა

🇦🇿 davranmaq

🇲🇽 comportarse

Word origin

The word 'behave' originated from the Middle English word 'behaven', which meant 'to govern oneself'. It evolved from the Old English word 'behabban', which combined 'be-' (thoroughly) and 'habban' (to have). Over time, 'behave' came to encompass a broader range of meanings related to conduct and behavior.

See also: behavior, behaviour, misbehave, misbehaving.