behavior

word

/bɪˈheɪvjɝ/
bi-HAYV-yur
/bɪhˈeɪvjɐ/
bi-HAYV-yuh

Definition

Behavior is the way a person or animal acts. It can also refer to how something works or reacts in a particular situation.

Usage & Nuances

Usually uncountable when talking generally: 'good behavior', 'child behavior'. In technical contexts, it can describe how systems or materials act: 'the behavior of the market', 'software behavior'. Common collocations include 'good/bad behavior', 'behavior problem', and 'behavior change'.

Example Sentences

The teacher praised his behavior in class.

basic

The dog's behavior changed after the move.

basic

I'm not okay with that kind of behavior at work.

natural

This chart shows customer behavior online.

basic

His behavior lately has been really strange.

natural

The app's behavior after the update is confusing users.

natural