Definition

The way a person or animal acts in response to different situations or stimuli.

Example

Her behavior in class improved after she received positive feedback from her teacher.

Conversation

I noticed some strange behavior from my dog lately.

Oh really? What has he been doing?

He keeps barking at nothing and running around the house.

That sounds odd, maybe he sees something we can't!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Behavior → It is formed from "be-" (meaning to be or exist) and "habere" (meaning to have or hold). The word describes the way a person or animal acts or conducts themselves, essentially meaning the way they exist or hold themselves in various situations.

Memory Tip

Think of how someone 'exists' ('be-') and 'holds' themselves ('habere') in different situations — that's what behavior means.

Visually Confused Words