English Reference

Word

conduct

Phoneticscon·duct, stress on the first syllable

/ˈkɑndəkt/

Definitions

01to carry out a task

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

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

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

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

“The research team plans to conduct a longitudinal study to observe how linguistic habits evolve in bilingual communities over several decades.”

02music

B2 · Upper Intermediate Music

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

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

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

“The guest maestro will conduct the symphony's performance of Mahler's Ninth, bringing a famously minimalist interpretation to the score.”

Synonyms

03to behave

C1 · Advanced Formal

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

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

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

“Employees are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity when representing the firm at international conferences.”

Synonyms

behavecomport

04science

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical

v. to allow heat or electricity to flow through a substance.

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

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

“Silver is the most conductive element, though its high cost prevents it from being used for standard electrical transmission lines.”

Antonyms

05behaviour

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal

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

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

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

“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'.

Synonyms

behaviourmannercomportment

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “conduct” in context.

Verb

01. conduct activity

“The students were asked to conduct a group activity to practice their speaking skills.”

verb + noun

02. conduct analysis

“The laboratory will conduct an analysis of the water samples to check for pollutants.”

verb + noun

03. conduct research

“Scientists are currently trying to conduct research into the long-term effects of the new drug.”

verb + noun

04. currently conduct

“We currently conduct all our business meetings via video conferencing software.”

adv + verb

05. independently conduct

“PhD students are expected to independently conduct their own experiments by the second year.”

adv + verb

Real-World Examples

“The UFU has called for the review to be conducted by a panel of experts, rather than an individual.”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026
“That is why they’re throwing code of conduct complaints at me.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

conduct(B2)

Related words

Domain

Music

This entry

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
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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