Behave Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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behave

[bษชหˆheษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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 | Verb

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 | Verb

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'behave'

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,581 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.