ENGLISH
REFERENCE

behaviors

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //bɪˈheɪvjɝz// be·hav·iors

n. the ways that a person or animal acts in different situations. It can describe how someone follows rules or how they treat other people.

n. the range of actions and mannerisms made by individuals, organisms, or systems in conjunction with themselves or their environment. Often used in the plural to categorize specific types of conduct or psychological patterns.


SIMPLE

The teacher praised the students for their good behaviors during the trip.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists are studying the social behaviors of wolves to understand how they communicate within a pack.

COMPLEX

While individual actions may seem random, observing collective behaviors over a long period reveals deep-seated cultural norms that govern how the community functions.

Synonyms
Usage

Uncountable when referring to conduct in general; countable when referring to specific types or instances of action.

Pitfall

He showed a bad behaviorHe showed bad behaviorWhen referring to general conduct, the word is uncountable and does not take the indefinite article 'a'.

© 2026 English Reference