Behavior — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /bi-ˈhā-vyər/ be·hav·ior

Meaning & Definition of Behavior

Behavior (noun)

  1. the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves; also, an instance of such behavior
  2. the manner of conducting oneself
  3. anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation

Behavior (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the way or manner in which one conducts oneself

    "usually the enfant terrible, he's promising to be on his best behavior for the party"

    similar: actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment, geste (archaic)
    related: etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, p's and q's, amenity, civility, courtesy, decorum, politeness, air, attitude, carriage, poise, pose, posture, presence, aspect, look, mien, formality, protocol, rules, custom, habit, habitude, pattern, practice, trick, wont, convention, fashion, mode, style, affectation, attribute, characteristic, mark, trait, distinctiveness, oddity, peculiarity, singularity, strangeness, uniqueness, weirdness

Related Entry: Displacement (noun)

Displacement is a different word from Behavior. The synonyms below are for displacement, not for behavior.

  1. the forced removal from a homeland

    "the displacement of Jews from the land of their ancestors"

    similar: banishment, deportation, exile, expatriation, expulsion, relegation
    related: ostracism, extradition, diaspora, dispersion, scattering, emigration, migration, evacuation, transportation, dispossession, ejection, ouster
    near: repatriation, return, arrival, entry, immigration

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Behavior

The most common words with a similar meaning to Behavior:

Archaic: geste
actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment

Related Words for Behavior

etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, p's and q's, amenity, civility, courtesy, decorum, politeness, air, attitude, carriage, poise, pose, posture, presence, aspect, look, mien, formality, protocol, rules, custom, habit, habitude, pattern, practice, trick

Origin & Etymology of Behavior

alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven "to behave" + -our -or:2

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Behavior

Words & Phrases Containing Behavior

behavior therapy, for good behavior, on one's best behavior, on their best behavior, cognitive behavioral therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about Behavior

What does "Behavior" mean?

"Behavior" means the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves; also, an instance of such behavior. As a noun, it is defined as: the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves; also, an instance of such behavior.

What is another word for "Behavior"?

Other words for "Behavior" include actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment and geste. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Behavior" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Behavior"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Behavior". Common alternatives include actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment and geste.

How do you use "Behavior" in a sentence?

Examples of "Behavior" in a sentence: "usually the enfant terrible, he's promising to be on his best behavior for the party".

Is "Behavior" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Behavior" is a noun.

Is "Behavior" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Behavior" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Behavior"?

"Behavior" is pronounced /bi-ˈhā-vyər/ and divided into syllables as be·hav·ior.

What is the origin of the word "Behavior"?

"Behavior" comes from alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven "to behave" + -our -or:2. First known use: 15th century.