Word
behavior
Phoneticsbe·hav·ior, stress on the second syllable
US/bɪˈheɪvjɝ/
UK/bɪhˈeɪvjɐ/
UK spelling · behaviour
Definitions
01human conduct
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun American English
n. the way you act, especially toward other people or in public.
n. the manner in which a person conducts themselves, particularly in relation to social norms or ethics.
“The teacher praised the boy for his excellent behavior during the school trip.”
“The company has a strict code of conduct to ensure professional behavior among all employees during client interactions.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to general conduct.
Pitfall
He has a good behavior.
He has good behavior.
In this sense, behavior is usually uncountable and does not take the article 'a'.
Teaching tip
Note the American spelling (behavior) versus the British spelling (behaviour).
02animal actions
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Biology American English · Technical
n. the way an animal or living thing acts in its environment.
n. the observable response or actions produced by an organism in a particular situation.
“Scientists are studying the hunting behavior of lions in the wild.”
“Ethologists observe mating behaviors to understand how specific signals evolved within the species over generations.”
Usage
Can be countable (behaviors) when referring to specific types of actions.
03system operation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing American English · Technical
n. the way a machine, computer program, or system works.
n. the characteristic operation or functioning of a device, software, or complex system.
“The latest software update changed the behavior of the home button.”
“The engineer analyzed the erratic behavior of the cooling system to identify the mechanical failure.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “behavior” in context.
Real-World Examples
“OpenAI said on Wednesday it would begin regularly publishing reports on unexpected or unauthorized AI behavior, while warning that the industry has yet to solve key alignment challenges as systems grow more powerful.” “The San Francisco company revealed what it said was the “unexpected or concerning” behavior of its A.I. models as part of a new framework for reporting “misalignment,” which is when the goals or actions of A.I. systems diverge from human intentions and values.” “Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expects consumer behavior to change in the second half of 2026 if inflation picks up, fueled by higher oil prices.” “This behavior takes a markedly different set of skills than taking a sandwich from an unwary beachgoer, and Kelley and other scientists have examined the details of how and when gulls get food from people, and what might get them to stop.” Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁ep-der. Proto-Indo-European *h₁epsder. Proto-Indo-European *h₁epider. Proto-Indo-European *h₁pi Proto-Germanic *bider. Proto-Germanic *bi- Proto-West Germanic *bi- Proto-Indo-European *kap-der. Proto-Germanic *habjaną Proto-West Germanic *habbjan Proto-West Germanic *bihabbjan Old English behabban Middle English behaven Proto-Indo-European *gʰeh₁bʰ- Proto-Italic *haβēō Latin habeō Old French avoirbor. Middle English havour Middle English behavoure English behavior From Middle English behavoure, behaver, from behaven (modern behave), with the ending apparently in imitation of havour (see 'havior), a corruption of Old French aveir and/or avoir (“a having”), ultimately from Latin habēre. Compare Scots havings (“behavior”), from have (“to behave”). Replaced Old English ġebǣru.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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