- Main Entry:
- be·have
- Pronunciation:
-
\bi-ˈhāv, bē-\
- Function:
- verb
- Inflected Form(s):
- be·haved; be·hav·ing
- Etymology:
- Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold
- Date:
- 15th century
transitive verb
1
: to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2
: to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner
intransitive verb
1
: to act, function, or react in a particular way
2
: to conduct oneself properly
— be·hav·er noun
synonyms behave,
conduct,
deport,
comport,
acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way.
behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous
<the children behaved in church>.
conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself
<conducted herself with unfailing good humor>.
deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety
<the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry>.
comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position
<comported themselves as gentlemen>.
acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations
<acquitted herself well in her first assignment>.
