behave

be-have · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Act or conduct oneself in a specified way.

  2. 2.

    Conduct oneself in accordance with accepted standards; be good.

  3. 3.

    (of a machine or substance) Work or function in a specified way.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    behave oneself — Act in a proper or acceptable manner.
  • •
    well-behaved — Acting properly; showing good manners.
  • •
    badly behaved — Acting improperly; showing poor manners.

Related words

Antonyms: act up, misbehave
See also: behaved, behaving, behavior, behaviour
Synonyms: act, conduct oneself, function, perform

Etymology

From Middle English behaven, from be- + haven ("to have, hold"), influenced by the pattern of words like "become." Related to "have."