verb

behave

bih-HAYV

verb

To act in a particular way, or to act properly and politely.

"The children behaved well throughout the long flight."

"Please behave yourself at the dinner party."

How to Use Behave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo act in a certain way, especially in an acceptable or well-mannered way.

Common pairings

behave yourself behave well behave badly

Word Forms

behaved past tense, behave plural, behaved plural, behaves singular, behave singular, behaved singular, behavest singular, behaveth singular, behavedst singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “behave” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The children _____ well throughout the long flight.

Etymology

From Middle English behaven, built from be- plus "have," in the old sense of "to hold or contain oneself."

Rhymes for behave

ave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave leave

See all rhymes for behave →