BEHAVE


Meaning of BEHAVE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ bi-ˈhāv, bē- ]

verb

( be·haved ; be·hav·ing )

Etymology: Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold

Date: 15th century

transitive verb

1. : to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way

2. : to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner

intransitive verb

1. : to act, function, or react in a particular way

2. : to conduct oneself properly

• be·hav·er noun

Synonyms:

behave , conduct , deport , comport , acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous

the children behaved in church

conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself

conducted herself with unfailing good humor

deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety

the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry

comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position

comported themselves as gentlemen

acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations

acquitted herself well in her first assignment

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.