behave

[ bih-heyv ]

verb (used without object)

, be·haved, be·hav·ing.

1. to act in a particular way; conduct or comport oneself or itself:

   The ship behaves well.

   Synonyms: perform

2. to act properly:

   Did the child behave?

3. to act or react under given circumstances:

   This plastic behaves strangely under extreme heat or cold.

verb (used with object)

, be·haved, be·hav·ing.

1. to conduct or comport (oneself ) in a proper manner:

   Sit quietly and behave yourself.

behave

/ bɪˈheɪv /

verb

1. intr to act or function in a specified or usual way
2. to conduct (oneself) in a specified way

   he behaved badly towards her

3. to conduct (oneself) properly or as desired

   the child behaved himself all day

Other Words From

• unbe·having adjective
• well-be·haved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behave¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English behaven “to behave oneself”; equivalent to be- + have

Word History and Origins

Origin of behave¹

C15: see be- , have

Example Sentences

“Because I’ve had sushi a thousand times, and I’ve held sushi a thousand different ways, and never once have I seen sushi behaving that way.”

From Salon

Clarke behaved in exactly the same way he does in defeat.

From BBC

Saying he behaved inappropriately towards him, the man - now in his early 20s - said Edwards invited him to the BBC’s London offices when he was a pupil.

From BBC

"That was the last time I saw you. I hope I have more grace and understanding when and if any of my own four children at such a vulnerable age behave in the same manner."

From BBC

Just step back and take some time to observe them and see their social interactions, and how they're feeding and how they're behaving.

From Salon

Related Words

• act
• operate
• perform
• react