Word
behavioral
Phoneticsbe·hav·ioral
US/biˈheɪvjɝəɫ/
UK/bɪhˈeɪvjəɹəl/
UK spelling · behavioural
Psychology
Definition
adj. relating to the way people or animals act and react to things. It describes things that focus on actions rather than thoughts or feelings.
adj. relating to the observable actions or reactions of an individual or group in response to stimuli. Often used in scientific or psychological contexts to distinguish external actions from internal mental processes.
Examples
“The doctor noticed some behavioral changes in the patient.”
“Researchers are studying the behavioral patterns of birds to understand how they adapt to urban environments.”
“The school implemented a new behavioral intervention program designed to reward positive social interactions and reduce instances of classroom disruption through consistent reinforcement.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor noticed some behavioral changes in the patient.”
contextual
“Researchers are studying the behavioral patterns of birds to understand how they adapt to urban environments.”
complex
“The school implemented a new behavioral intervention program designed to reward positive social interactions and reduce instances of classroom disruption through consistent reinforcement.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “behavioral” in context.
Adjective
01. behavioural challenge
“Teachers are trained to support students who face a significant behavioural challenge in the classroom.”
adj + noun
Usage
Commonly modifies nouns like 'pattern', 'problem', 'science', or 'trait'.
Real-World Examples
“Its findings could be useful in psychology, behavioral research, and the design of environments in which people regularly make choices.” “In the control group, young people's emotional and behavioral difficulties increased over the nine-week period, while their self-efficacy declined.” “The researchers believe similar chemical mechanisms may also influence age-related behavioral changes in other animals.” “Ariel Skelley/Photodisc via Getty Images Prioritizing play offers a variety of benefits for children, from helping them grow their vocabulary to managing their big feelings with fewer behavioral problems .” Etymology
From behavior + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/behavioral