Behaviour: meaning, definitions and examples

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behaviour

[bɪˈheɪvjə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human psychology

The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. It encompasses actions, reactions, emotions, and habits.

Synonyms

attitude, conduct, conduct, demeanor, deportment, manner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behaviour	Appropriate when discussing general actions or conduct of a person, often in everyday situations or scientific studies. Her behaviour during the meeting was exemplary Children's behaviour can vary significantly from day to day
conduct	Used in a more formal setting to describe how someone carries out their actions, often relating to ethical or professional standards. His conduct during the investigation was commendable The company's code of conduct requires all employees to act with integrity
demeanor	Focuses on the outward display of a person's mood or personality, often observed in social contexts. Her calm and composed demeanor impressed everyone at the event Despite the pressure, he maintained a cheerful demeanor
manner	Refers to the way someone behaves towards others, often in terms of politeness and respect. His friendly manner made him popular among his peers She was praised for her courteous manner with clients
attitude	Refers to a person's feelings or thoughts about something, often conveyed by their behaviour. His attitude towards work has always been very positive She has a relaxed attitude about deadlines
deportment	Primarily used in formal contexts to describe a person's behavior and posture, especially regarding politeness and elegance. Her deportment was always impeccable at royal events He received lessons in deportment to improve his public image

Examples of usage

Sheila's behaviour towards her colleagues was always friendly and respectful.
His behaviour at the party was completely unacceptable.
Children often mimic the behaviour of their parents.
The company has a strict code of behaviour for all employees.
His erratic behaviour raised concerns among his friends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal science

The actions or reactions of a person or animal in response to external or internal stimuli.

Synonyms

actions, conduct, manner, reactions, responses.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behaviour	General term for how someone acts, applicable in almost any situation where the overall conduct of a person or animal is being assessed. Her behaviour at school has improved significantly. We are studying the behaviour of dolphins in their natural habitats.
actions	Refers to specific deeds or activities carried out by someone, often highlighting particular things done intentionally. His actions during the crisis were commendable. You need to take more proactive actions to achieve your goals.
reactions	Describes immediate responses to a stimulus, event, or action. Often used in contexts involving emotional or physical responses. His reactions to criticism are always very defensive. The crowd's reactions to the performance were overwhelmingly positive.
responses	Refers to replies or answers to stimuli, questions, or situations. It can encompass both planned and unplanned reactions. Her responses to the interview questions were insightful. We are still awaiting their responses to our proposal.
conduct	A formal term usually used to describe how someone behaves in a professional or official capacity. The soldier's conduct in battle earned him a medal. The employee's conduct during the meeting was unacceptable.
manner	Focuses on the style or way someone behaves, often in terms of politeness, attitude, or peculiarities. She spoke in a calm and collected manner. His manner of walking is very unique.

Examples of usage

The study aimed to analyze the behavior of monkeys in their natural habitat.
The dog's behavior changed after being trained by a professional.
The behavior of the birds indicated a change in the weather.
His aggressive behavior towards strangers was due to fear and insecurity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

computing

The way in which a computer program operates or functions.

Synonyms

execution, functioning, operation, performance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
behaviour	Used to describe the actions and mannerisms of a person or animal. It can also suggest whether someone is acting correctly or incorrectly. His behaviour at the party was unacceptable. The dog's behaviour improved after training.
operation	Can refer to the functioning of machines, systems, or organized activities. It can also mean a medical procedure. The operation of the new device is user-friendly. She had a successful operation to remove the tumor.
functioning	Describes how well something operates or works, often referring to machines or systems. The functioning of the new software was impressive. The machine's functioning deteriorated over time.
performance	Refers to how well a person, machine, or system does a job or activity. It can also mean a public presentation like a play or concert. Her performance in the exam was outstanding. The band's live performance was amazing.
execution	Often related to the process of carrying out a task or plan. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to carrying out a death sentence. The execution of the project plan went smoothly. The execution of the criminal was carried out at dawn.

Examples of usage

The behavior of the software was unpredictable after the latest update.
Understanding the behavior of the algorithm is crucial for optimizing performance.
Programmers need to analyze and modify the behavior of the code for better efficiency.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Old French 'avehir', which means to lead or conduct.
The word has roots in the Latin 'habere', which means to have or hold, indicating how actions are held or expressed.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe actions or conduct.

Psychology

Behaviour can be influenced by both biological factors and environmental conditions, such as upbringing and social context.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common treatment that focuses on changing negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
Observational learning, where people learn by watching others, plays a significant role in how behaviours are developed.

Pop Culture

The song 'Bad Behavior' by the artist 'Demi Lovato' touches on themes of risky choices and rebellion.
In popular media, like the TV series 'Breaking Bad', the protagonist’s behaviour showcases a drastic transformation driven by circumstance.
2022’s viral trend #GoodBehaviour promoted positive actions on social media platforms, emphasizing kindness and support.

Education

Positive behaviour interventions and supports (PBIS) are frameworks implemented in schools to encourage good conduct among students.
Research shows that children's behaviour is more conducive to learning when they feel safe and supported in their environment.
Active engagement strategies improve student behaviour and participation, leading to better academic outcomes.

Animal Studies

Animal behaviour studies help scientists understand survival instincts, social interactions, and communication within species.
Research on pack behaviour in wolves reveals how social hierarchies and cooperation impact hunting and survival.
Some animals, like crows, exhibit problem-solving behaviours that parallel human intelligence, showcasing the complexity of their actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "behaviour" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comportamento

🇮🇳 व्यवहार

🇩🇪 Verhalten

🇮🇩 perilaku

🇺🇦 поведінка

🇵🇱 zachowanie

🇯🇵 行動

🇫🇷 comportement

🇪🇸 comportamiento

🇹🇷 davranış

🇰🇷 행동

🇸🇦 سلوك

🇨🇿 chování

🇸🇰 správanie

🇨🇳 行为

🇸🇮 obnašanje

🇮🇸 hegðun

🇰🇿 мінез-құлық

🇬🇪 ქცევა

🇦🇿 davranış

🇲🇽 comportamiento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,534, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2531 admit
2532 conviction
2533 remembered
2534 behaviour
2535 assistant
2536 preliminary
2537 collective
...