behave

The word “behave” means to act in a particular way, or to act properly and politely. In plain terms, to act in a certain way, especially in an acceptable or well-mannered way.

“Behave” is pronounced bih-HAYV (/bɪˈheɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “behave” used in a sentence: “The children behaved well throughout the long flight.”

“Behave” is a verb.

The word “behave” comes from Middle English. From Middle English behaven, built from be- plus "have," in the old sense of "to hold or contain oneself.".

“Behave” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Behave has both uses. It can neutrally describe how someone or something acts in a particular way, as in "the material behaves differently under heat," and it can mean to act properly, as in "the children behaved." Used alone without an adverb, it usually carries the sense of acting politely.

The noun is behavior in American English and behaviour in British English. Both refer to the way a person, animal, or thing acts. The spelling is the only difference; the meaning and usage are identical.

Use the hyphen when the phrase comes before a noun: a well-behaved dog. After a verb it is commonly written without the hyphen — the dog was well behaved — though many style guides accept the hyphenated form there too. Both describe someone who behaves properly.

They mean essentially the same thing, but "behave yourself" is more emphatic and is often used as a direct instruction, especially to children. "Behave" on its own can be either an instruction or a neutral description of how someone acts. Both are standard English.