behave
Verb (intransitive):
- To conduct oneself in a specified way, especially in relation to others or in a social context. It often implies acting in a correct, proper, or acceptable manner.
- (Of a machine or system) To function or operate in a particular way.
Verb (reflexive: "behave oneself"):
- To conduct oneself in a proper or acceptable manner; to show good manners or self-control.
Verb (intransitive):
- The children must learn to behave in public.
- Please behave; we are in a library.
- The new software is behaving erratically.
Verb (reflexive):
- He promised to behave himself at the wedding.
- The teacher asked the students to behave themselves during the assembly.
"behave toward(s) someone": To act in a particular way when interacting with a specific person.
- She always behaves respectfully towards her elders.
"behave as if/though": To act in a way that suggests a particular (often untrue) situation.
- He behaved as though nothing had happened.
Behavior (noun): The way in which one acts or conducts oneself.
- His behavior at the meeting was professional.
Well-behaved (adjective): Conducting oneself in a proper manner.
- The class was full of well-behaved children.
Misbehave (verb): To behave badly or improperly.
- The child started to misbehave when he was tired.
- Act: To behave in a stated way. (e.g., )
- Conduct oneself: A more formal term for behave. (e.g., )
- Comport oneself: A formal synonym for behave or conduct oneself. (e.g., )
(Note: "Behave" itself is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed through the verb alone or with prepositions like "toward.")
Be on one's best behavior: To make a special effort to behave well.
- You must be on your best behavior when you meet your grandparents.
Behave like a spoiled brat: To act in a very childish, selfish, or badly behaved manner (idiomatic and critical).
- Stop behaving like a spoiled brat and share your toys.
- behave well or properly
- The children must learn to behave
- behave in a certain manner
- She carried herself well
- he bore himself with dignity
- They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
- behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
- You should act like an adult
- Don't behave like a fool
- What makes her do this way?
- The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people