Acting or conducting oneself in a particular manner, especially in accordance with accepted standards or expectations. The ongoing action of displaying certain patterns of conduct.
From Middle English 'behaven,' literally meaning 'to have or hold oneself' (be- + have). The word appeared in the 15th century, originally emphasizing self-possession and deportment. The meaning gradually expanded from physical bearing to include moral and social conduct.
The word 'behaving' uniquely captures the idea that our actions are something we actively 'have' or possess, suggesting that behavior is a form of personal property we can control and shape. It's fascinating that the original meaning implied holding oneself together, which still resonates in phrases like 'behave yourself.'
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