Definition and meaning of English word "behave"
behave
/bɪˈheɪv/
Meaning
VerbTo conduct (oneself) well, or in a given way; to conform.
How to use
The verb 'behave' is often used in formal or educational contexts. A common grammatical nuance is using 'behave' with adverbs like 'well' or 'badly'. For example, 'She behaved well during the meeting.' A learner mistake is confusing 'behave' with 'behave oneself', which has a more idiomatic meaning.
🇬🇧 English
behave
Example
He behaves well
She behaves badly
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- behave well— to act in a good or proper manner
- behave badly— to act in a bad or improper manner
- behave oneself— to act in a controlled or polite manner
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #454 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "behave" mean?▼
The English word "behave" means "behave" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "behave"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "behave" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "behave"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "used for actions" (which translates as "behave").
More Extended Verbs words
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