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.

Idiosyncracy vs Behaviour - What's the difference?

idiosyncracy | behaviour |

As nouns the difference between idiosyncracy and behaviour

is that idiosyncracy is an alternative spelling of lang=en while behaviour is the way a living creature behaves or acts.

idiosyncracy

English

Noun

(idiosyncracies)

    • Usage notes

    * This spelling is commonly considered a misspelling; etymologically the preferred spelling is idiosyncrasy'', which is also the only spelling given by most dictionaries, such as the ''Dictionary.com Unabridged'' gives both spellings, but under the entry name ''idiosyncrasy .

    References

    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.

    Related terms

    * behave * behaved * behavioural * behaviouralism * behaviouralist * behaviourism * behaviourist * behaviouristic * behaviour pattern * behavioural science

    Derived terms

    * human behaviour