American English
/bɪˈheɪ.vjɚ/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
The way a person or animal acts, especially in a particular situation.
Practice out loudThe way a person or animal acts, especially in a particular situation.
The teacher praised the child's good behavior.
His behavior toward his coworkers was rude.
good behavior · bad behavior · aggressive behavior · change your behavior
someone's behavior
behavior toward someone
The way a machine, system, or substance responds or works in a particular situation.
The software showed unexpected behavior after the update.
Scientists studied the behavior of the material under heat.
machine behavior · system behavior · unexpected behavior
the behavior of something
behavior under pressure
behaving as well and politely as possible
Be on your best behavior at the interview.
Usually say “his behavior,” not “his behaviors,” for the general way he acts. Use “behaviors” for different actions or patterns.