Definition

1. 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.

2. Verb (reflexive: "behave oneself"):

   • To conduct oneself in a proper or acceptable manner; to show good manners or self-control.

Usage Examples

• 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.

Advanced Usage

• "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.

Variants and Related Words

• 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.

Synonyms

• 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., )

Related Phrasal Verbs

(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.")

Related Idioms

• 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.

Verb

1. behave well or properly
   • The children must learn to behave
2. behave in a certain manner
   • She carried herself well
   • he bore himself with dignity
   • They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
3. 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