ENGLISH
REFERENCE

behaving

v.
A2 Elementary US //bɪˈheɪvɪŋ// UK //bɪhˈeɪvɪŋ// be·hav·ing

v. to act in a certain way, especially in a way that is expected or polite. You use this when describing how someone conducts themselves.

v. to conduct oneself; to display specific actions or manners in a given situation. Typically used with 'well' or 'badly' to judge propriety.


SIMPLE

The children are behaving well in class.

CONTEXTUAL

Please behave quietly while the doctor examines the patient.

COMPLEX

Despite the chaos around him, he continued behaving with remarkable calm and dignity.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is intransitive and often modified by adverbs like 'well', 'badly', or 'strangely'.

Pitfall

He is behaving badly to his friendsHe is behaving badly toward his friends'Behave' does not take a direct object; use 'toward' or 'with' for the recipient.

© 2026 English Reference