behavior
[ bih-heyv-yer ]
/ bɪˈheɪv yər /
noun
manner of behaving or acting.
Psychology, Animal Behavior.
- observable activity in a human or animal.
- the aggregate of responses to internal and external stimuli.
- a stereotyped, species-specific activity, as a courtship dance or startle reflex.
Often behaviors. a behavior pattern.
the action or reaction of any material under given circumstances: the behavior of tin under heat.
SYNONYMS FOR behavior
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Also especially British, be·hav·iour .
Origin of behavior
synonym study for behavior
1. Behavior, conduct, deportment, comportment refer to one's actions before or toward others, especially on a particular occasion. Behavior refers to actions usually measured by commonly accepted standards: His behavior at the party was childish. Conduct refers to actions viewed collectively, especially as measured by an ideal standard: Conduct is judged according to principles of ethics. Deportment is behavior related to a code or to an arbitrary standard: Deportment is guided by rules of etiquette. The teacher gave Susan a mark of B in deportment. Comportment is behavior as viewed from the standpoint of one's management of one's own actions: His comportment was marked by a quiet assurance.
OTHER WORDS FROM behavior
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for behavior
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going?
“Have” vs. “Has”: When To Use Each One
Laying Down The Law On “Sedition” vs. “Treason” vs. “Insurrection” vs. “Coup”
The People’s Choice 2020 Word Of The Year: 2020 Was A $#@#%%$@!
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
Medical definitions for behavior
behavior
[ bĭ-hāv′yər ]
n.
The actions or reactions of persons or things in response to external or internal stimuli.
The manner in which one behaves.
Other words from behavior
be•hav′ior•al adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for behavior
behavior
[ bĭ-hāv′yər ]
The actions displayed by an organism in response to its environment.
One of these actions. Certain animal behaviors (such as nest building) result from instinct, while others (such as hunting) must be learned.
The manner in which a physical system, such as a gas, subatomic particle, or ecosystem, acts or functions, especially under specified conditions.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with behavior
behavior
see on one's best behavior.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.