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View synonyms for behave

behave

[ bih-heyv ]

verb (used without object)

behaved, behaving.
  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)

behaved, behaving.
  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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • unbe·having adjective
  • well-be·haved adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of behave1

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

Origin of behave1

C15: see be- , have
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Example Sentences

"It's not the way you behave as the front face of a country, diplomatically," he said.

From BBC

It just seemed wrong to behave as if this is business as usual despite the trappings of a normal State of the Union address.

From Salon

Liverpool and Everton were both charged with failing to ensure their players did not behave in a way which was improper or provocative.

From BBC

Mr Trump then piled in, delighted to see his vice-president again behaving as an attack dog.

From Salon

Louise had told one friend that Clifford had a "nasty temper" and there had been a "number of incidents" where he had "behaved in an aggressive manner", the trial heard.

From BBC

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Behanbehavior