Behave (Verb)
Meaning 1
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".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
Examples
- He's 30 years old, but he still doesn't behave like a responsible adult.
- She's always looking for attention, so don't be surprised if she starts to behave erratically.
- You need to behave sensibly and make informed decisions about your career.
- Her mood swings make it difficult for us to guess how she will behave in social situations.
- Children should be taught to behave respectfully towards their elders.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
- Vulgarize
- Optimize
- Sauce
- Relax
- Joke
- Swell
- Piffle
- Make As If
- Wanton
- Backslap
- Dally
- Act
- Make
- Fall Over Backwards
- Footle
- Ramp
- Menace
- Sentimentise
- Stooge
- Quack
- Play
- Sentimentalise
- Hugger Mugger
- Act Involuntarily
- Swagger
- Snap
- Freeze
- Bungle
- Break Down
- Romanticize
- Frivol
- Presume
- Follow
- Sentimentize
- Storm
- Swash
- Act As
Meaning 2
Behave well or properly; "The children must learn to behave".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She was a well-mannered child who always knew how to behave in polite company.
- The teacher reminded the students to behave themselves in class and respect their peers.
- He struggled to behave in the presence of the CEO, working hard not to reveal his nervousness.
- When visiting grandma's house, we must behave and not play too loudly with our cousins.
- It took many hours of training for the puppy to learn to behave and obey its master.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Behave in a certain manner; "She carried herself well"; "he bore himself with dignity"; "They conducted themselves well during these difficult times".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She carried herself with poise and confidence in the boardroom.
- He bore himself with dignity throughout the difficult interrogation.
- They conducted themselves well during the crisis, staying calm and focused.
- She comported herself graciously in the presence of her ex-husband.
- He acquitted himself admirably in his new role as team leader.