A2 noun Neutral #350 most common

behavior

/bɪˈheɪvjər/

Behavior is the way a person or animal acts or conducts themselves, especially toward others. it describes both specific actions in a single moment and a general pattern of how someone usually acts.

Examples

3 of 5
1

His behavior at the party was very friendly and polite.

His actions at the social event were welcoming and well-mannered.

2

The committee expects professional behavior from all its members.

The group requires a high standard of conduct from everyone involved.

3

I don't like my dog's behavior when he sees a cat.

I dislike the way my dog acts when he spots a cat.

Word Family

Noun
behavior
Verb
behave
Adverb
behaviorally
Adjective
behavioral
Related
behaviorism
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Memory Tip

Think 'Be-Have': To 'be' a good person, you must 'have' good actions.

Quick Quiz

The teacher praised the students for their excellent ______ during the school trip.

Correct!

The correct answer is: behavior

Examples

1

His behavior at the party was very friendly and polite.

everyday

His actions at the social event were welcoming and well-mannered.

2

The committee expects professional behavior from all its members.

formal

The group requires a high standard of conduct from everyone involved.

3

I don't like my dog's behavior when he sees a cat.

informal

I dislike the way my dog acts when he spots a cat.

4

Research shows that diet can influence the behavior of laboratory mice.

academic

Studies indicate that food can change how lab mice act.

5

Any aggressive behavior in the office will result in a warning.

business

Acting in an angry or violent way at work will lead to disciplinary action.

Word Family

Noun
behavior
Verb
behave
Adverb
behaviorally
Adjective
behavioral
Related
behaviorism

Common Collocations

good behavior acting in a way that is helpful or follows rules
human behavior the way that people generally act
social behavior how a person acts around other people
abnormal behavior acting in a way that is strange or unusual
automatic behavior acting without thinking about it

Common Phrases

on one's best behavior

trying very hard to be polite and act correctly

learned behavior

an action that is taught rather than natural

pattern of behavior

a way of acting that happens many times

Often Confused With

behavior vs attitude

Attitude is how you feel or think inside, while behavior is what you actually do that others can see.

behavior vs manners

Manners are specific polite habits (like saying please), whereas behavior is the total way you act.

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Usage Notes

The word can be used as an uncountable noun for general conduct, but can be plural (behaviors) when scientists discuss specific types of actions.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'behavior' is American spelling and 'behaviour' is British; both are correct but try not to mix them in the same text.

💡

Memory Tip

Think 'Be-Have': To 'be' a good person, you must 'have' good actions.

📖

Word Origin

From the verb 'behave', which comes from 'be-' (completely) and 'have' (to hold or conduct oneself).

Grammar Patterns

uncountable (common) countable (scientific context) followed by 'toward' or 'towards'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, children are taught that 'good behavior' means being quiet and following instructions from adults.

Quick Quiz

The teacher praised the students for their excellent ______ during the school trip.

Correct!

The correct answer is: behavior

Related Phrases

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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