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
Phrases with behave
Example
I expect you to behave yourself while we are at the restaurant.
Example
Stop throwing a tantrum and behave like a grown-up.
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'
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.