Behavior vs Action: Difference and Comparison

Behavior, which is a noun and also acts as an adjective, is defined as a manner in which one functions and performs himself/herself towards the rest of the world.

The words similar to behavior include deportment, bearing, etiquette, etc. 

On the other hand, Action is also defined as the method or way we act or react toward a particular situation, even if it is very complex.

It is also called the act of will. Action is also an interjection. Other words similar to Action include movement, work, gesture, activity, task, etc.

Key Takeaways

1. Behavior is a broader concept that encompasses how an individual or entity conducts themselves, including their actions, reactions, and habits; an action is a specific act or deed performed by an individual or entity.
2. Behavior can be observed and measured over time, revealing patterns and tendencies, whereas actions are individual, discrete events that may or may not be part of a larger pattern.
3. Both behavior and action provide insight into an individual or entity’s choices, motivations, and character. Still, behavior offers a more comprehensive understanding of how someone or something operates, while actions represent singular events or decisions.

Behavior vs Action

Behavior refers to the way a person or an animal acts or conducts oneself in a given situation. Action specifically refers to a deliberate, intentional, or purposeful behavior, and involves a conscious decision to perform a specific behavior in order to achieve a desired outcome.

EXAMPLE: –

1. She has evil behavior toward her friends.
2. His action completely surprised me.
3. His behavior is very rough.
4. The only healing for sadness is action.

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Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Behavior	Action
Meaning	Behavior means the overall feedback, replies, or gestures made by an individual.	Action is the human movement, gestures, and functionality towards a work or another individual.
Grammar Class	Behavior is not included in the class of interjection.	Action is included in the class of interjection.
Describes	It describes a noticeable and visible response generated by an entity.	It describes the method movements and functioning of an individual.
Similar words	Conduct, deportment, demeanor, doings, exploits, etc.	Reaction, battle, performance, movement, gesture, etc.
Examples	1. Her behavior was obscene and bad. 2. Make sure that individuals with excellent behavior will get awarded.	1. He can’t pay the loan and is now facing bank action. 2. Her motivated action has left a great impression on the judges.

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What is Behavior?

Behavior which is a noun and acts as an adjective, is defined as an observable and visible response from the creatures in any situation. Behavior has a broader sense. This term also includes unobservable and unnoticed feelings, thinking, and thoughts.

The word Behaviour originated from late Middle English from the word behave, on the ornament of deportment and directed by the outdated word behavior, which is further derived from the word have.

It is the way a person acts or behaves toward other individuals. Behavior synonyms include habits, acts, deportment, exploitation, etc.   

The following examples of sentences will help to understand the proper usage of the word “BEHAVIOR”: –

As a noun: –

1. I noticed a drastic change in her behavior.
2. The parents are very much worried about their son’s rude behavior.
3. John must be ashamed of his evil and vulgar behavior.
4. His behavior made me angry and disturbed me a lot inside.

As an adjective: –

1. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in the future.
2. Her behavior is regarded as the worst in the whole class.
3. She forgave her daughter’s immature behavior.
4. She distinguished a change in her behavior. 

 

What is Action?

Action, which is a noun and also acts as an interjective, is the procedure of performing something that describes our movement, work, gestures regarding a particular individual or a task.

The word Action is originated in the late Middle English period via Old French from the Latin word actio and the word agere. It describes someone gesture or movement. The synonyms of action include performance, activity, task, movement, etc.   

Following examples of sentences will help to understand the proper usage of the word “ACTION”: –  

As a noun : – 

1. Her bad action was rejected by the public.
2. She pledged to take legal action.
3. The police took action against the thief.

As an interjective : –

1. They may have to take military action.
2. He complained about that rude action.
3. What is the best type of action in these complex situations?

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Main Differences Between Behavior and Action

1. The word action acts as both as a noun and an injective in sentences, whereas the word behavior can be used as a noun but cannot be used as an injective in sentences.
2. If we take pronunciation in the consideration, we strain on the second syllable when we are pronouncing the word action whereas a stress on the third syllable is given, at the time of pronouncing the word behavior.
3. Behavior can sometimes mean to jump a limited boundary which is not a necessity at all and our behavior is not that much impactful whereas our actions can be very impactful or more than expectations.
4. Action is likely to have a more negative implication or bad feeling, whereas behavior does not if compared to action.
5. The words which have the same meaning as to action include battle, reaction, movement, gestures, performance, activity, etc whereas the words having a similar meaning to behavior include habits, practices, manners, doings, comportment, etc.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378720604000163
2. https://psycnet.apa.org/journals/rev/94/1/3.html?uid=1987-13123-001