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Behavior and Behaviour I Difference with Examples

Last Updated : 08 Jun, 2023
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Behavior and behaviour are both words used to describe the way people or animals act or conduct themselves. The main difference between the two is that behavior is the preferred spelling in American English, while behaviour is the preferred spelling in British English. Despite this difference in spelling, both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

Meaning of Behavior

Behavior is a noun that means to observable actions, usually those of a person or animal. Behavior is a term used to describe the acts of an individual. In American English, the word behavior is used.

Examples

  1. The child’s behavior during the class was not good, So, the teacher had sent him to the principal’s office.
  2. The dog’s behavior was aggressive on the strangers.

Meaning of Behaviour

Behaviour is a also same word that can be used in a variety of situations. It can be used to refer to anything that occurs or to a person who is carrying out some action. Only the difference can be the term “behaviour” is the British English comparable for “conduct.”  In British English, the word behaviour is used frequently .

Examples:

  1. The behaviour of the party guests was rowdy and disruptive. 
  2. The cat’s behaviour towards its owner was affectionate and playful.

Tabular Difference Between Behavior and Behaviour

Behavior  Behaviour 
Preferred spelling in American English  Preferred spelling in British English
Refers to the actions or conduct of an individual, group, or organism  Refers to the actions or conduct of an individual, group, or organism
Can refer to any observable or measurable action, from a simple movement to a complex decision-making process  Can refer to any observable or measurable action, from a simple movement to a complex decision-making process
Can also refer to patterns of conduct over time, such as habitual actions or personality traits Can also refer to patterns of conduct over time, such as habitual actions or personality traits
Examples: The dog’s behavior was aggressive on the strangers. Examples: The cat’s behaviour towards its owner was affectionate and playful.
More common spelling in American  English More common spelling in British English
The spelling “behavior” is widely accepted and used in many countries The spelling “behaviour” is more common in Commonwealth countries
The term “behavioral science” is commonly used in American English The term “behavioural science” is commonly used in British English
The word “behaviorism” is used to describe a specific school of psychology in American English The word “behaviourism” is used to describe a specific school of psychology in British English

Conclusion

In conclusion, behavior and behaviour are two spellings of the same word that refer to the actions or conduct of individuals, groups, or organisms. The preferred spelling depends on the region and language used, with behavior being more common in American English and behaviour being more common in British English.


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