behaviour
Also spelled behavior (US spelling)
Behaviour (noun) means the British spelling of "behavior" — the way a person, animal, or system acts. Example: “The teacher kept a note of each pupil's behaviour.”
noun
1
The British spelling of "behavior" — the way a person, animal, or system acts.
"The teacher kept a note of each pupil's behaviour."
"The vet explained that the dog's strange behaviour was caused by fear."
"Good behaviour on the school trip earned the pupils extra playtime."
How to use behaviour
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow someone or something acts — British spelling of "behavior."
UK vs US
British/Commonwealth spelling; American English uses "behavior."
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Word forms
- Plural
- behaviours
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The teacher kept a note of each pupil's _____.
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Rhymes for behaviour
See all rhymes for behaviour →Frequently asked questions
What does “behaviour” mean?
The word “behaviour” means the British spelling of "behavior" — the way a person, animal, or system acts. In plain terms, how someone or something acts — British spelling of "behavior.".
How do you use “behaviour” in a sentence?
Here is “behaviour” used in a sentence: “The teacher kept a note of each pupil's behaviour.”
What part of speech is “behaviour”?
“Behaviour” is a noun.
Is “behaviour” a common word?
“Behaviour” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between behaviour and behavior?
There is no difference in meaning: "behaviour" is the British spelling and "behavior" is the American spelling of the same word, meaning the way a person, animal, or system acts. Use "behaviour" in British, Australian, and most Commonwealth English, and "behavior" in American English.
Is behaviours a correct plural?
Yes. "Behaviours" is used when referring to distinct types or instances of behaviour, as in "the study measured several risky behaviours." When talking about conduct in general, the uncountable singular "behaviour" is standard.
What are common collocations with behaviour?
Frequent pairings include "good behaviour," "bad behaviour," "antisocial behaviour," "consumer behaviour," and "behaviour change." The word also appears in the fixed phrase "be on your best behaviour."
Which spelling should you use in academic writing, behaviour or behavior?
Match the variety of English your institution or publisher requires: "behaviour" for British-style guides and "behavior" for American ones. Whichever spelling you choose, use it consistently throughout the document.
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