behavior

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See also: behaviour

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Middle English behavoure, behaver, from behaven (modern behave), with the ending apparently in imitation of havour (see 'havior). Compare Scots havings (behavior), from have (to behave). Displaced Old English ġebǣru.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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behavior (usually uncountable, plural behaviors) (American spelling)

  1. (uncountable) Human conduct relative to social norms.
  2. (countable, uncountable) The way a living creature behaves or acts generally.
  3. (uncountable, informal) A state of probation about one's conduct.
    He was on his best behavior when her family visited.
  4. (countable, uncountable, biology, psychology) Observable response produced by an organism.
  5. (uncountable) The way a device or system operates.

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Collocations

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Translations

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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Further reading

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