What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Behaviour vs Ethic - What's the difference?

behaviour | ethic |

As nouns the difference between behaviour and ethic

is that behaviour is the way a living creature behaves or acts while ethic is a set of principles of right and wrong behaviour guiding, or representative of, a specific culture, society, group, or individual.

As a adjective ethic is

moral, relating to morals.

behaviour

English

Alternative forms

* (US) * (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The way a living creature behaves or acts.
  • She can't stop the strange behaviour because she has OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
  • * 2014 , A teacher, " Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian , 23 September 2014:
  • Teachers will probably be on their best behaviour for your visit – but don't be upset if they don't even notice you; they've got enough going on.
  • The way a device or system operates.
  • Usage notes

    * Adjectives often applied to "behaviour" include: human, animal, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, organizational, corporate, social, collective, parental, interpersonal, sexual, criminal, appropriate, inappropriate, correct, incorrect, right, wrong, good, bad, acceptable, unacceptable, poor, ethical, unethical, moral, immoral, responsible, irresponsible, normal, odd, deviant, abnormal, violent, abusive, aggressive, offensive, defensive, rude, stupid, undesirable, verbal, nonverbal, learned, professional, unprofessional, adaptive, compulsive, questionable, assertive, disgusting, self-destructive.

    Derived terms

    * human behaviour

    ethic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * ethick (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Moral, relating to morals.
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • a set of principles of right and wrong behaviour guiding, or representative of, a specific culture, society, group, or individual.
  • I think the golden rule is a great ethic .
  • the morality of an action
  • Derived terms

    * ethic of reciprocity * evolutionary ethic * Protestant ethic * work ethic

    See also

    * ethic dative

    Anagrams

    *