good behavior: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “good behavior” mean?
Conduct that conforms to accepted social rules and norms, demonstrating respect and self-control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Conduct that conforms to accepted social rules and norms, demonstrating respect and self-control.
The display of proper conduct in a specific context (e.g., classroom, courtroom); in law, it can mean conduct that allows a prisoner to be released early on parole or ensures a judge's continued tenure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK often uses 'good behaviour'. The concept is identical. The legal term 'good behavior bond' is more common in Commonwealth jurisdictions like the UK and Australia.
Connotations
Similar in both, though in American contexts, it is strongly associated with school and child-rearing discourse.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “good behavior” in a Sentence
Noun + of + good behavior (e.g., 'a model of good behavior')Adjective + good behavior (e.g., 'exemplary good behavior')Verb + for + good behavior (e.g., 'rewarded for good behavior')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good behavior” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The teacher urged the pupils to behave well.
- He was told he must behave himself.
American English
- The kids need to behave appropriately.
- She promised to behave during the ceremony.
adverb
British English
- The students behaved impeccably during the inspection.
- He promised to act properly.
American English
- The children played together very nicely.
- She conducted herself appropriately at the meeting.
adjective
British English
- He was a well-behaved child.
- The audience was surprisingly well-behaved.
American English
- She has a very well-behaved dog.
- It was a well-behaved crowd at the game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to professional conduct and adherence to workplace ethics and policies.
Academic
Often discussed in psychology, sociology, and education research on social norms and learning.
Everyday
Commonly used regarding children's conduct at home or in public.
Technical
In behavioral psychology, it denotes target behaviors that are socially adaptive and reinforced.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good behavior”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good behavior”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good behavior”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'He showed a good behavior'). It is generally non-count.
- Confusing 'behavior' (uncountable, general) with 'a behavior' (countable, specific action in technical contexts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always used as an uncountable noun. You do not say 'a good behavior' in everyday language, though in behavioral sciences you might refer to 'a target behavior'.
'Good manners' refer specifically to polite social habits (e.g., saying 'excuse me'). 'Good behavior' is a broader term encompassing obedience to rules, self-control, and socially acceptable actions in a given situation.
Yes, though terms like 'professional conduct' or 'ethical behavior' are more common. 'Good behavior' might be used in internal policies regarding employee interactions.
It dates to the 1700s, implying a heightened, conscious effort to display perfect manners and conduct, typically when under observation or in a formal setting.
Conduct that conforms to accepted social rules and norms, demonstrating respect and self-control.
Good behavior is usually formal to neutral in register.
Good behavior: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd bɪˈheɪvjə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd bɪˈheɪvjər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On one's best behavior”
- “Time off for good behavior”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a gold 'BEHAVE' badge given to someone for being GOOD.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD BEHAVIOR IS A VALUABLE CURRENCY (to be earned, rewarded, and spent on privileges).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what can 'good behavior' result in for a prisoner?