behave

One entry found for behave.

Main Entry: be·have
Pronunciation: bi-'hAv, bE-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): be·haved; be·hav·ing
Etymology: Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold
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>.