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REFERENCE

conduct

v. · n.
US //ˈkɑndəkt// con·duct
  1. 1 to carry out a task (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to organize and do a particular activity, such as a survey, an experiment, or a meeting.

    to organize and carry out a specific process or activity. Transitive; frequently collocates with 'research', 'survey', 'interview', or 'experiment'.

    Example

    The university will conduct a survey to find out what students think about the new library.

    Example

    The research team plans to conduct a longitudinal study to observe how linguistic habits evolve in bilingual communities over several decades.
  2. 2 music (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    to stand in front of an orchestra or choir and direct how they play or sing.

    to direct the performance of a musical ensemble through hand gestures or a baton.

    Example

    She was invited to conduct the national orchestra during the summer festival.

    Example

    The guest maestro will conduct the symphony's performance of Mahler's Ninth, bringing a famously minimalist interpretation to the score.
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  1. 3 to behave (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to behave in a particular way, especially in a formal or professional situation.

    to behave in a specified manner. Often used reflexively with 'oneself' to indicate professional or moral comportment.

    Example

    The lawyer was praised for the way he conducted himself during the difficult trial.

    Example

    Employees are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity when representing the firm at international conferences.
  2. 4 science (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    to allow heat or electricity to flow through a substance.

    to serve as a medium for the transmission of energy, such as heat or electricity.

    Example

    Copper is used in wiring because it can conduct electricity very efficiently.

    Example

    Silver is the most conductive element, though its high cost prevents it from being used for standard electrical transmission lines.
  3. 5 behaviour (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the way a person behaves, especially in public or at work.

    the manner in which a person behaves, particularly in a professional or institutional context. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The company has a strict code of conduct that all employees must follow.

    Example

    The committee launched an inquiry into the senator's professional conduct following allegations of a conflict of interest.

    Usage

    The noun is stressed on the first syllable (CON-duct), while the verb is stressed on the second (con-DUCT).
    Pitfall
    The teacher was happy with the student's conducts.
    The teacher was happy with the student's conduct.

    When 'conduct' means behaviour, it is uncountable and does not take a plural 's'.

Origin

From Late Latin conductus (“defense, escort”), from Latin conductus, perfect passive participle of condūcō (“bring together”); see also conduce. Doublet of conduit.

Word family

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