The way in which a person or animal acts or conducts themselves in response to particular situations. Observable actions and reactions in various contexts.
From Middle English 'behave' (to conduct oneself) plus suffix '-iour.' The verb 'behave' comes from 'be-' (intensive prefix) plus 'have' meaning 'to hold oneself.' Originally meant 'to have or bear oneself in a particular way.'
The word 'behaviour' literally means 'how you have yourself' - it's a fascinating reminder that our actions are possessions we control. The British spelling with 'u' reflects the French influence, while Americans dropped it during spelling reforms of the early 1800s.
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