What does "behaving" mean?

1. (acting in a certain way) acting in a specific way, especially in a way that is polite or follows the rules. 2. (conduct or manners) the way that someone acts or conducts themselves.

How do you use "behaving"?

Often used with adverbs like 'well', 'badly', or 'properly'. As a noun, this is less common than 'behaviour' in most contexts.

behaving

v. · n.

US //bɪˈheɪvɪŋ// UK //bɪhˈeɪvɪŋ// be·hav·ing

1 acting in a certain way (v.)
A2 Elementary

acting in a specific way, especially in a way that is polite or follows the rules.

conducting oneself in a specified manner; often used to describe adherence to social or moral standards.

Example

The children were behaving so well at the restaurant that the waiter gave them free dessert.

Example

The students were behaving impeccably during the assembly, demonstrating a level of maturity that impressed the visiting speakers.

Usage

Often used with adverbs like 'well', 'badly', or 'properly'.
- acting
- conducting oneself
- misbehaving
2 conduct or manners (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the way that someone acts or conducts themselves.

the manner in which one acts or functions; used as a gerund to describe the process of conduct.

Example

His strange behaving at the party made some of the guests feel uncomfortable.

Example

The study focused on the behaving of social insects when their primary food source was suddenly removed from the environment.

Usage

As a noun, this is less common than 'behaviour' in most contexts.

Last updated June 20, 2026