behaviour

See also: behavior

English

Lua error: The template Template:PIE root does not use the parameter(s):
2=keh₂p
Please see Module:checkparams for help with this warning.

From behave +‎ -iour, apparently in simulation of haviour, havior, havour. Compare Scots havings (“behaviour”), from have (“to behave”).

behaviour (usually uncountable, plural behaviours) (British spelling, Canadian spelling, Australian spelling, South African spelling and New Zealand spelling)

The way a living creature behaves or acts.
She can't stop the strange behaviour because she has OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
- 2014, A teacher, "Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian, 23 September 2014:
  Teachers will probably be on their best behaviour for your visit – but don't be upset if they don't even notice you; they've got enough going on.
The way a device or system operates.

Adjectives often applied to "behaviour" include: human, animal, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, organizational, corporate, social, collective, parental, interpersonal, sexual, criminal, appropriate, inappropriate, correct, incorrect, right, wrong, good, bad, acceptable, unacceptable, poor, ethical, unethical, moral, immoral, responsible, irresponsible, normal, odd, deviant, abnormal, violent, abusive, aggressive, offensive, defensive, rude, stupid, undesirable, verbal, nonverbal, learned, professional, unprofessional, adaptive, compulsive, questionable, assertive, disgusting, self-destructive, trained, expected, unexpected, public, private, observed, guided, rewarded, punished, childish, mature, acceptable, unacceptable, encouraged, positive, chosen, personal, lawful, illegal, impulsive, measured, shameful, dangerous, regretful, unacceptable, inappropriate, socially-acceptable, online, desirable, undesirable, prompted