the way a person, animal, or thing acts or responds, especially toward others or in a particular situation
His generous behaviour impressed everyone at the charity event.
Parents worry when their toddler shows aggressive behaviour.
✦ late Middle English: from Anglo-French ‘behaveour’, based on the verb ‘behave’
relating to the way a person or animal behaves, or to the scientific study of behaviour
The new teacher used behavioural strategies to keep the class focused and calm.
Researchers carried out a behavioural study on dolphins to understand how they communicate underwater.
✦ Spelling variant of U.S. “behavioral,” formed from behaviour + -al.
bad or unacceptable behaviour, especially by children.
The teacher sent a note home about Tommy's misbehaviour during recess.
"Such misbehaviour will not be tolerated in this classroom," the teacher warned.
✦ From mis- ("wrong, badly") + behaviour.
