behavior

Etymology

From Middle English behavoure, behaver, from behave, with -ior apparently in imitation of English havior, haviour, havour. Compare Scots havings (“behavior”), from have (“to behave”). Displaced Old English ġebǣru.

noun

1. (uncountable) Human conduct relative to social norms.
   Teachers will probably be on their best behaviour for your visit – but don't be upset if they don't even notice you; they've got enough going on. 23 September 2014, A teacher, “Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents”, in The Guardian
2. (uncountable) The way a living creature behaves or acts generally.
3. (uncountable, informal) A state of probation about one's conduct.
   He was on his best behavior when her family visited.
4. (countable) An instance of the way a living creature behaves.
5. (countable, uncountable, biology, psychology) Observable response produced by an organism.
6. (uncountable) The way a device or system operates.