behave
verb (intransitive)
UK/bɪˈheɪv/US/bɪˈheɪv/
To act in a certain way, especially to conduct oneself in a polite or controlled manner; can also refer to how something operates or responds under certain circumstances.
Example Sentences
Children are often reminded to behave during family gatherings.
He’s learning how to behave at formal events by following his mentor’s example.
If you want to earn trust in a professional setting, it’s crucial to behave with integrity and respect toward both colleagues and clients.
She reminded him to behave quietly in the library so as not to disturb other readers.
Most devices are programmed to behave in a predictable way once they receive the correct input signal.
In stressful situations, even the calmest people may struggle to behave rationally if they feel threatened or overwhelmed.
A new puppy might not behave well at first, but with consistent training and patience, it can learn to follow commands and interact positively with its surroundings.
Researchers study how certain materials behave under extreme heat and pressure, providing valuable insights for industries ranging from aerospace engineering to renewable energy solutions.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To act in a certain way, often conforming to expected standards or rules.“Behave” primarily functions as a verb indicating the manner in which someone or something acts. In everyday contexts, telling a child “Behave yourself” means urging them to follow rules or show manners. In social situations, “behave” implies responding with politeness, decorum, or self-control, aligning with shared expectations or guidelines. In a broader sense—such as describing an animal or machine—the verb can emphasize functional reliability: “The car is behaving strangely” suggests it’s not operating as expected. If you’re using “behave” in instructional or advisory writing, you might clarify what proper conduct entails: “Employees are expected to behave courteously toward customers.” Whether describing classroom rules, family etiquette, or professional standards, “behave” points to a code or set of norms guiding one’s actions. In short, it often entails self-awareness and adaptation to context, emphasizing respect, safety, or communal harmony.
Alternatives
If you’d like synonyms or related verbs for “behave,” choose “act,” “conduct oneself,” or “comport oneself,” each highlighting slightly different formalities. “Act” is the broadest, indicating any manner of doing, whether good, bad, or neutral. “Conduct oneself” and “comport oneself” lean more formal and are common in professional or serious contexts (e.g., “Employees must conduct themselves with integrity”). For simpler phrasing, “mind your manners” is a casual imperative reminiscent of telling a child or peer to behave politely, though it retains a more old-fashioned tone. If someone is acting unpredictably, you could say “He’s misbehaving,” which stands as the direct opposite. By picking a term that fits your register—casual, formal, or disciplinary—you clarify expectations for the behavior in question while varying your language choice.
Writing
When writing about “behave,” consider the standards or values framing acceptable conduct. For example, in a formal setting—like a policy handbook—you might note: “Employees shall behave in a manner that reflects professionalism and respect.” If you’re crafting fiction, you can reveal character traits by showing how someone behaves under stress or in social situations: “She struggled to behave with decorum despite her frustration.” In academic or psychological texts, “behave” might appear in discussions of stimulus-response models or ethical theories, often accompanied by details on motivation or social context. In a more casual article about manners, you might detail steps or tips on how to behave in formal gatherings, like weddings or conferences, highlighting do’s and don’ts. Including clarifying descriptors—such as “politely,” “responsibly,” “rudely,” or “recklessly”—adds depth. Whether you’re explaining guidelines, setting a scene, or analyzing conduct, weaving in “behave” or its synonyms helps anchor the concept of actions aligned (or misaligned) with group norms and personal ethics. By pairing “behave” with real-world examples or relatable scenarios, you transform abstract notions of conduct into concrete, easily understood examples.
Casual Conversation
Day-to-day, “behave” pops up when you want to remind someone—often a child or a pet—to follow basic rules. A parent might say, “Please behave while I’m on the phone,” or “Behave at your friend’s house,” implying courtesy and obedience. Friends teasingly tell each other, “Behave yourself!” if someone’s about to break a social norm—like making too bold a joke or sneaking extra snacks. In a lighthearted vein, you might hear, “Hey, don’t forget to behave tonight,” as your friend heads off to a party, suggesting they shouldn’t go too wild. When referencing animals, “behave” can indicate your dog’s stable temperament: “He behaved well at the vet.” If you need to emphasize disobedience, you might note someone is “not behaving,” implying a need for correction or discipline. In casual circles, there’s no heavy moral judgment in saying “behave,” just a quick heads-up to keep things civil, polite, or within accepted boundaries. It’s a flexible verb that simultaneously nudges, admonishes, or jokes, depending on the tone and context.
Etymology
The word “behave” combines “be,” a common Old English verb form, with “have,” deriving from Old French and further tracing back to Latin “habēre,” meaning “to hold” or “to possess.” In Middle English, “behave” evolved to indicate holding oneself in a certain manner—essentially ‘to have or hold oneself in a particular way.’ Over time, it became closely linked with personal conduct and decorum. As the English language developed, references to “behave” naturally leaned toward socially acceptable acts or propriety, guiding codes of politeness and social norms. This etymological root underscores the foundational idea: “behave” implies that an individual ‘possesses’ or exerts control over their actions, aligning them with communal expectations or personal values. The term endures as a straightforward, widely recognized command or description of someone’s manner, bridging archaic concepts of self-possession with modern reminders to maintain respect, courtesy, and structure.