Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bɪˈheɪvjər/ (British English) /bɪˈheɪvjʊr/ (American English)

Definitions

1. The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.
2. The way in which something functions or operates.
3. In psychology, the actions or reactions of a person or animal in response to external or internal stimuli.

Usage Examples

• "Her behaviour at the meeting was polite and professional."
• "The dog's behaviour changed after being trained to follow commands."
• "The behaviour of the machine is influenced by external factors such as temperature."

Etymology

From Middle English "behaviour," from Old French "comportement" (meaning "conduct" or "manner"), derived from the verb "to behave," which itself comes from the Old French "behaivance." The word evolved in English during the 14th century to refer specifically to how one conducts oneself in social situations, particularly in relation to norms and expectations.

Synonyms

• Conduct
• Action
• Deportment
• Attitude
• Manner

Antonyms

• Misconduct
• Misbehaviour
• Indiscipline
• Disregard

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the stress is typically on the second syllable: /bɪˈheɪvjər/.
• In American English, the pronunciation often includes a 'y' sound in the second syllable: /bɪˈheɪvjʊr/.

Historical Usage

The word "behaviour" has been in use in English since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of behaving, especially in terms of the conduct of an individual. In earlier contexts, it also referred to the manner in which something behaved or functioned, but over time, the term has come to be more associated with human conduct. The modern psychological meaning of "behaviour" began to develop in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly with the rise of behaviorism as a school of thought. This understanding emphasized the study of observable actions rather than introspection into internal states of mind.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, "behaviour" can carry various connotations. In collectivist societies, for instance, behaviour is often judged based on how well it aligns with societal norms and expectations, especially concerning the well-being of the community. In contrast, individualist societies may place more emphasis on personal conduct and autonomy. Additionally, behaviour in the context of animals is also examined widely in both Western and Eastern traditions, though methods of study and interpretation can differ. For example, behaviorism has often been criticized for its perceived reductionism in Western psychology, while some Eastern approaches to behaviour, particularly those rooted in mindfulness and Buddhism, tend to focus on internal awareness and self-regulation.

More Information

Behaviour has been a key focus of various fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and even economics. The study of human behaviour has led to the development of various psychological theories, including behaviorism, which posits that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment. Today, behaviour is studied not only in humans but also in animals, leading to an understanding of both individual and collective actions. Modern theories also integrate both external and internal factors in explaining behaviour, acknowledging the complexity of human and animal nature.