Past tense of behave; acted in a particular manner or conducted oneself according to accepted standards. Can describe both good and poor conduct.
From 'be-' (intensive prefix) + 'have' in the sense of 'hold oneself'. Originally meant 'to contain or restrain oneself', developing into the modern sense of conducting oneself properly by the 16th century.
The word's construction from 'be' + 'have' reveals an interesting philosophical concept—that behavior is essentially about 'having yourself' or maintaining self-possession. The evolution from 'self-restraint' to 'proper conduct' reflects changing social expectations about emotional control and social conformity.
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