Want to say behave differently? Here are other words for behave and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of behave
to act or conduct oneself in a certain way
Etymology of behave
The word "behave" comes from the Old English words "be" (meaning "to be") and "hævan" or "habban" (meaning "to have" or "to hold"), which were later influenced by the Old Norse word "hafa" (meaning "to have" or "to hold")
The word "behave" has been used in English since the 15th century, initially meaning "to have or hold oneself in a certain way" and later developing its modern meanings
Synonyms
act
conduct
deport
demean
carry
acquit
bear
comport
perform
function
operate
react
respond
proceed
manage
direct
guide
govern
regulate
control
influence
affect
impact
modify
alter
change
adjust
adapt
conform
comply
obey
mind
heed
listen
follow
suit
fit
accord
agree
concur
assent
consent
permit
allow
tolerate
endure
bear with
abide
persist
continue
go on
keep on
proceed
progress
advance
improve
amend
reform
behave oneself
be on best behavior
Definitions
- To act or conduct oneself in a certain way, especially in a way that is considered to be good or correct
- * To act or function in a particular way, especially in response to a particular situation or stimulus
- * To be in a certain state or condition, especially one that is considered to be desirable or acceptable
Usage Examples
- The children were told to behave themselves during the wedding ceremony
- * The company will behave in a responsible and sustainable way to minimize its impact on the environment
- * The new employee was asked to behave in a professional manner at all times
Antonyms
misbehave
disobey
defy
resist
refuse
decline
reject
dissent
disagree
protest
rebel
revolt
riot
act out
act up
throw a tantrum
be naughty
be unruly
be unmanageable
be uncontrollable
be uncooperative
be uncompliant
be insubordinate
be disobedient
be contrary
be perverse
be obstinate
be stubborn
be recalcitrant
be refractory
be intractable