behave

[bɪˈheɪv]

behave Definition

  • 1to act or conduct oneself in a specified way, especially towards others
  • 2to operate or function correctly

Using behave: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "behave" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The children behaved well at the party.

  • Example

    He always behaves like a gentleman.

  • Example

    The car is behaving strangely.

  • Example

    The new software is behaving erratically.

behave Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for behave

Phrases with behave

  • to act in a polite or well-behaved manner

    Example

    I expect you to behave yourself while we are at the restaurant.

  • to act in an immature or childish way

    Example

    Stop throwing a tantrum and behave like a grown-up.

  • to act in a way that leads to losing one's job

    Example

    If you keep coming to work late, you will behave yourself out of a job.

Origins of behave

from be- 'thoroughly' + have, in the sense 'have or bear (oneself) in a particular way'

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Summary: behave in Brief

The verb 'behave' [bɪˈheɪv] means to act or conduct oneself in a specified way, especially towards others. It can also mean to operate or function correctly. Examples include 'The children behaved well at the party' and 'The car is behaving strangely.' Phrases like 'behave oneself' denote polite or mature behavior, while 'behave like a child' implies immaturity.

How do native speakers use this expression?