behave

[bɪˈheɪv]

behave Definition

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

Synonyms for behave

• act
• conduct
• perform
• comport
• operate
• function

Antonyms for behave

• misbehave
• act out

Phrases with behave

• behave oneself

  to act in a polite or well-behaved manner

  Example

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

• behave like a child

  to act in an immature or childish way

  Example

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

• behave oneself out of a job

  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.