conduct
KON-duhkt
Conduct (noun) means the way a person behaves, especially in terms of morals or manners. Example: “His conduct during the crisis was praised by the whole team.”
noun
1
The way a person behaves, especially in terms of morals or manners.
"His conduct during the crisis was praised by the whole team."
"The school expects good conduct from every pupil on the bus."
"The judge criticised the officer's conduct during the long investigation."
verb
1
To organize and carry out an activity such as research or a survey.
"The university conducted a study on sleep habits among students."
"Our team will conduct a short survey of customers next week."
"Scientists conducted several experiments before they trusted the result."
2
To direct a group of musicians performing together.
"She conducted the orchestra through the entire symphony without a score."
"The young musician will conduct the school choir at the winter concert."
"He raised his baton and began to conduct the band."
3
To allow heat, electricity, or sound to pass through.
"Copper conducts electricity very efficiently."
"Metal pans conduct heat well, so the food cooks quickly."
"Rubber does not conduct electricity, which is why cables are covered in it."
How to use conduct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow someone behaves, or the act of carrying out, leading, or transmitting something.
Common pairings
conduct research
conduct an orchestra
code of conduct
conduct electricity
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Word forms
- Plural
- conducts
- Third person singular
- conducts
- Past tense
- conducted
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His _____ during the crisis was praised by the whole team.
Etymology
From Latin conductus ("escorted, brought together"), past participle of conducere ("to bring together, lead").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for conduct
See all rhymes for conduct →Frequently asked questions
What does “conduct” mean?
The word “conduct” means the way a person behaves, especially in terms of morals or manners. In plain terms, how someone behaves, or the act of carrying out, leading, or transmitting something.
How do you pronounce “conduct”?
“Conduct” is pronounced KON-duhkt (/ˈkɑndʌkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “conduct” in a sentence?
Here is “conduct” used in a sentence: “His conduct during the crisis was praised by the whole team.”
What is another word for “conduct”?
Words with a similar meaning to “conduct” include abear, bearing, abearance, behavior, carriage and comportment.
What part of speech is “conduct”?
Depending on how it is used, “conduct” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “conduct” come from?
The word “conduct” comes from Latin. From Latin conductus ("escorted, brought together"), past participle of conducere ("to bring together, lead").
Is “conduct” a common word?
“Conduct” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “conduct” have?
“Conduct” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way a person behaves, especially in terms of morals or manners.
What is the difference between conduct and behaviour?
The two overlap heavily. Behaviour is the broader, more neutral term for any actions, including those of animals or systems. Conduct usually applies to people and carries a stronger sense of moral or ethical judgement — which is why a code of conduct sets standards for how one should behave.
Is conduct a positive or negative word?
Conduct itself is neutral; it simply names how someone behaves. Its tone comes from the words around it — "good conduct" earns praise, while "misconduct" or "disorderly conduct" signals wrongdoing. On its own, conduct describes behaviour without judging whether it is right or wrong.
What is a code of conduct?
A code of conduct is a set of written rules defining how people in a group, workplace, or profession are expected to behave. It outlines acceptable and unacceptable actions to promote fairness, safety, and respect. Breaking it can lead to warnings, penalties, or dismissal, depending on the organisation involved.
Is "conduct" a noun or a verb?
It is both, distinguished by where the stress falls. As a noun (CON-duct) it means behaviour or manners. As a verb (con-DUCT) it means to carry out or direct something, such as to conduct an experiment or an orchestra. The definition here refers to the noun.
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