misbehave
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪv/
KK: /mɪsˈbɪheɪv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To act in a way that is not acceptable or proper, often causing trouble or problems.
Example
The children began to misbehave during the long meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: misbehaved
Past Participle: misbehaved
Conversation
Did you see how the kids misbehave at the party yesterday?
Yeah, they were running around and making a mess everywhere!
I thought their parents would have stopped them from acting out.
Right? It's like they didn't even care how they were behaving.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
misconduct
err
offend
Antonyms
behave
conform
obey
transitive verb
Definition
To act in a way that is not proper or acceptable, often causing trouble or disobedience.
Example
The children misbehaved during the school trip, making it difficult for the teachers to manage them.
Tense Forms
Past: misbehaved
Past Participle: misbehaved
Conversation
Did you see how the kids misbehave at the party yesterday?
Yeah, it was pretty wild, especially during the cake cutting.
I can't believe they misbehave like that in front of everyone!
Root Explanation
Misbehave → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "behave" (from Old French *behaivier*, meaning to conduct oneself). The word "misbehave" means to conduct oneself in a wrong or bad manner.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'behave' meaning to conduct oneself. This helps you remember that misbehave means to conduct oneself in a wrong way.
Visually Confused Words
behave