Behaviors Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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behaviors

[bษชหˆheษชvjษ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal behavior

Behaviors are the actions or reactions of animals in response to internal or external stimuli. They can include activities such as hunting, mating, and communication.

Synonyms

actions, conduct, gestures.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
behaviors

This term is often used in psychology, sociology, and everyday conversation to describe habitual patterns of actions or reactions by individuals or groups.

  • His behaviors in stressful situations are always very calm and collected
actions

This word is used to describe specific acts or deeds, often highlighting a particular event or series of events.

  • Her actions during the emergency helped save many lives
conduct

Often used in formal settings or when discussing rules and expectations, especially regarding moral or ethical standards.

  • His conduct at work was always professional and courteous
gestures

This word refers to movements, usually of the hands or body, to express an idea or feeling, often subtle and non-verbal.

  • He made a gesture of goodwill by offering his seat to the elderly lady

Examples of usage

  • The hunting behavior of lions involves working together in a coordinated manner.
  • Mating behaviors in birds often include elaborate courtship displays.
  • Communication behaviors in dolphins can involve the use of complex sounds and body language.
Context #2 | Noun

human behavior

Behaviors refer to the way in which individuals act or conduct themselves in different situations. They can be influenced by a variety of factors including upbringing, culture, and personal experiences.

Synonyms

conduct, habits, manners.

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Word Description / Examples
behaviors

Plural form of behavior, often used in academic or clinical settings to discuss multiple types of actions or responses.

  • The study observed different eating behaviors in children.
  • Problematic behaviors can be addressed through counseling.
conduct

Refers to the way a person behaves, especially in a formal setting or in terms of adherence to rules and norms. It often has a formal or legal nuance.

  • His conduct at the meeting was very professional.
  • The teacher praised their conduct during the school trip.
manners

Focuses on social behaviors or etiquette, how one behaves towards others. Often used in a positive sense to describe politeness and consideration.

  • Good manners are important in social settings.
  • He showed excellent manners by holding the door for others.
habits

Describes regular practices or routines, often on a personal or daily basis. It generally has a neutral or slightly negative connotation if the habits are bad.

  • She has a habit of reading before bed.
  • Bad habits like smoking are hard to break.

Examples of usage

  • His behavior at the party was considered inappropriate by many guests.
  • Understanding human behavior is a key aspect of psychology.
  • She exhibited strange behavior after the accident.
Context #3 | Noun

psychological behavior

Behaviors in psychology are observable actions or reactions that can be studied and analyzed. They are often used as indicators of underlying mental processes and emotions.

Synonyms

actions, reactions, responses.

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Word Description / Examples
behaviors

Used to describe the way someone acts in general or in specific situations. Can refer to both positive and negative patterns of actions.

  • His behaviors at work have improved significantly over the past few months.
  • The teacher noticed various behaviors in the children during the lesson.
actions

Refers to something done by someone, typically intentional and often with a specific goal or consequence in mind. Often used in a more concrete sense.

  • Her actions during the crisis saved many lives.
  • Taking swift actions can prevent further complications.

Examples of usage

  • His behavior in therapy sessions revealed deep-seated insecurities.
  • Understanding behavioral patterns can help in diagnosing mental disorders.
  • Behaviors can be modified through various therapeutic techniques.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, behaviors are often studied to understand how humans and animals react to different situations.
  • Behavioral psychology focuses on observable actions rather than internal thoughts or feelings, highlighting how environment shapes actions.
  • Conditioning is a key concept, where behaviors are learned through rewards and punishments.

Sociology

  • Social behaviors are influenced by culture, norms, and social interactions, showing how society shapes what we do.
  • Group behaviors can differ significantly from individual behaviors, leading to unique dynamics in social contexts.
  • The study of behaviors within communities can reveal insights into social issues and collective action.

Animal Behavior

  • Ethology is the study of animal behaviors in natural environments to understand instinctive actions.
  • Many animals display learned behaviors, such as using tools or communicating, which are crucial for their survival.
  • Some animal behaviors are migratory, driven by seasonal changes, showcasing the impact of environment on actions.

Education

  • In educational settings, understanding student behaviors can help tailor teaching methods and improve learning outcomes.
  • Positive behavior reinforcement is used to encourage good conduct in classrooms, fostering a conducive learning environment.
  • Behavioral assessments can identify challenges in learning, allowing for targeted interventions.

Technology

  • In the tech world, user behavior analytics help companies understand how people interact with their products.
  • Behavior-driven design creates interfaces based on how users behave, improving their overall experiences.
  • Artificial intelligence often mimics human behaviors, enabling machines to interact with users more naturally.

Origin of 'behaviors'

The word 'behaviors' originated from the Middle English term 'behavoure' which meant 'conduct or bearing'. It has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of actions and reactions exhibited by living organisms. The study of behaviors is a fundamental aspect of various scientific disciplines including biology, psychology, and sociology.


See also: behavioral, behaviorist, misbehavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,005 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.