behaved
Behaved (adjective) means acting in the manner described, usually paired with a word like "well" or "badly.". Example: “The well-behaved dog waited patiently by the door.”
How to use behaved
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes how someone conducts themselves, typically as part of a compound like "well-behaved."
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The well-_____ dog waited patiently by the door.
Rhymes for behaved
See all rhymes for behaved →Frequently asked questions
What does “behaved” mean?
The word “behaved” means acting in the manner described, usually paired with a word like "well" or "badly.". In plain terms, describes how someone conducts themselves, typically as part of a compound like "well-behaved.".
How do you pronounce “behaved”?
“Behaved” is pronounced bih-HAYVD (/bɪˈheɪvd/ in IPA).
How do you use “behaved” in a sentence?
Here is “behaved” used in a sentence: “The well-behaved dog waited patiently by the door.”
What part of speech is “behaved”?
“Behaved” is an adjective.
Is “behaved” a common word?
“Behaved” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Why is behaved almost always paired with a word like 'well' or 'badly'?
On its own, behaved doesn't tell a listener whether the conduct described was good or bad, so it is typically combined with a qualifying word such as 'well-behaved' or 'badly behaved' to convey that judgment. Without such a modifier, the adjective is incomplete in meaning.
Should 'well-behaved' be hyphenated?
When used before a noun, as in 'a well-behaved dog,' the phrase is usually hyphenated. When it follows a linking verb, as in 'the dog was well behaved,' the hyphen is commonly dropped, though usage varies by style guide.
What is the difference between behaved and behaving?
Behaved is the past-tense or adjectival form describing how someone acted, often in a fixed judgment such as 'well-behaved.' Behaving is the present participle, describing an action currently in progress, as in 'the children are behaving well today.'