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behavior

[ bih-heyv-yer ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

manner of behaving or acting.
Synonyms: , ,
Psychology, Animal Behavior.
1. observable activity in a human or animal.
2. the aggregate of responses to internal and external stimuli.
3. a stereotyped, species-specific activity, as a courtship dance or startle reflex.
Often ��·�󲹱�·��ǰ��. a behavior pattern.
the action or reaction of any material under given circumstances:
the behavior of tin under heat.

behavior

The actions displayed by an organism in response to its environment.
One of these actions. Certain animal behaviors (such as nest building) result from instinct , while others (such as hunting) must be learned.
The manner in which a physical system, such as a gas, subatomic particle, or ecosystem, acts or functions, especially under specified conditions.

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Other Word Forms

��·�󲹱�·��ǰ�·�� adjective
��·�ٱ��·��·�󲹱�·��ǰ� noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of behavior¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; behave ( def ) + -ior (on model of havior, variant of havor, from Middle French (h)avoir “a having,” ultimately from Latin �󲹲�ŧ�� “to have”); replacing late Middle English behavoure, behaver; -or ¹( def )

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Idioms and Phrases

see on one's best behavior .

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Synonym Study

Behavior, conduct, deportment, comportment refer to one's actions before or toward others, especially on a particular occasion. Behavior refers to actions usually measured by commonly accepted standards: His behavior at the party was childish. Conduct refers to actions viewed collectively, especially as measured by an ideal standard: Conduct is judged according to principles of ethics. Deportment is behavior related to a code or to an arbitrary standard: Deportment is guided by rules of etiquette. The teacher gave Susan a mark of B in deportment. Comportment is behavior as viewed from the standpoint of one's management of one's own actions: His comportment was marked by a quiet assurance.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"We also believe users should have more control over how ChatGPT behaves and, to the extent that it is safe and feasible, make adjustments if they don't agree with the default behavior," it said.

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“Any damage to life or property will have consequences, and those engaging in criminal behavior will be held accountable.”

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He also indicated that he was disappointed with Lawler’s behavior in relation to the press.

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“All my behavior is linked to representing Japan. I understand I should try to be nice and be the one everyone should be proud of.”

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Inmates’ risk score, which takes into account their behavior, participation in rehabilitative programs and their health records, could also be affected, she said.

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Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

behave behavioral

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