behave
verb (used without object)
to act in a particular way; conduct or comport oneself or itself.
had behaved
-
past perfectof behave.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has made no bones about believing that any prosecutor who worked on those cases had behaved unethically and should have resigned.
From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2026
He said Ortiz, who was arrested in a vehicle with a rifle, ammunition and a disguise -- a wig -- had behaved in a manner that was "extremely dangerous."
From Barron's ● Mar. 25, 2026
The government argued against bail, saying Rubin had behaved in suspicious ways that made him seem a flight risk.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 18, 2026
Driscoll and two other directors of MoU Operations Ltd resigned in October, claiming they had "behaved with integrity" while accusing the party of "factually incorrect claims".
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2025
She had behaved in exactly the same way, before Sister Gladys introduced her to underpants.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
