Langimage
English

behaving

|be/hav/ing|

B1

/bɪˈheɪvɪŋ/

(behave)

act properly

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjective
behavebehavesbehavedbehavedbehavingwell-behaved
Etymology
Etymology Information

'behave' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'behaven,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'haven' meant 'to have or hold.'

Historical Evolution

'behaven' transformed into the modern English word 'behave' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to hold oneself in a certain way,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to act in a particular way.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to act in a particular way, especially to be good or proper.

The children are behaving well today.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35