conduct
Formsconducts, conducting, conducted
Formsconducts, conducting, conducted
- 1
- 2The way a person behaves or acts toward others.
His conduct in class made the teacher proud.
Rude conduct on the bus can get you in trouble.
UsageSay his conduct or good conduct, usually with no a.
Similarbehavior, demeanor, bearing, deportment
- 3To lead a group of musicians as they play or sing.
Like a coach guiding a team during a game.
She will conduct the school orchestra tonight.
Famous musicians conduct concerts around the world.
UsageYou conduct an orchestra or a choir. The person is a conductor.
Similardirect
Note
- 4
- 5To let heat, electricity, sound, or other energy pass through, as metal does.
Like a metal spoon getting hot when it sits in a bowl of soup.
Metals conduct heat very well.
Copper wires conduct electricity through the house.
UsageMetals conduct heat well. Something that conducts well is a conductor.
- 6The way someone runs or manages something, such as a war or a business.
Everyone agreed that the conduct of the election was fair and open.
Poor conduct of the project caused many delays.
UsageSay the conduct of a war or the conduct of an election.
Note
Less common meanings
- 7
- 8To lead or take someone to a place.
Like a guide walking you through a museum.
A servant will conduct you to the dining room.
I can conduct you, lady, to a low / But loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
1634, [John Milton], A Maske Presented at Ludlow CastleHere, conduct means lead or guide someone to a place.UsageYou conduct someone to a place. In everyday talk, take or lead is more usual.
Similarguide, lead, escort, accompany, steer
Note
- 9A guard or guide who travels with someone to keep them safe.
I will be your conduct.
1598, Ben Jonson, “Euery Man in His Humour. A Comœdie.”Here, conduct means a guide who goes with you to keep you safe.In my conduct shall your ladies come.
c. 1597, William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth,”Note
- 10Something, such as a pipe or channel, that carries or passes something on.
although thou hast been conduct of my chame
1591, William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Sixt,”Here, conduct means the channel or tool that brought about my shame.Note
- 11
- 12A priest hired to lead church services without a permanent post, or a chaplain at certain colleges.
The Rev Charles Mitchell-Innes, Conduct of Eton College, officiated, assisted by Mr Ralph Allwood, Precentor.
2003, “Memorial Services”, in The Times
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Origin
From Latin conductus, meaning 'defense' or 'escort', from a verb meaning 'to bring together'.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- The word derives from Latin conductus. en.wiktionary.org
- Conductus meant 'defense' or 'escort'. en.wiktionary.org
- Conductus derives from a verb meaning 'to bring together'. en.wiktionary.org