behavior
Pluralbehaviors
UK spellingbehaviour
- 1The way a person or animal acts, especially whether their actions are thought good or bad.
Like the way a pet always acts a certain way: playful, calm, or shy.
The dog's behavior changed after we moved to a new house.
Scientists study animal behavior in the wild.
UsageUsually no a before it: good behavior. Be on your best behavior means act very nicely.
- 2The way a machine or program works or reacts.
Like how a toy always moves the same way when you press the button.
My old laptop's behavior changes when the battery gets low.
Engineers tested the engine's behavior at high speed.
Similarperformance, operation, functioning
Less common meaning
- 3Acting well for a while because someone is watching or judging you.
Practice
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Origin
From Middle English behavoure, from behaven (now 'behave'). The ending copied an old word 'havior' that came from Old French words meaning 'a having,' from Latin habēre.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Behavior derives from Middle English behavoure, from behaven, now behave. en.wiktionary.org
- The ending was modeled on the older word havior. en.wiktionary.org
- Havior ultimately derives from Old French forms meaning 'a having'. gutenberg.org
- The French forms derive from Latin habēre. en.wiktionary.org