Etymologically
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behavioral

Etymology and origin of the English word behavioral

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
1927
Ultimate origins
Middle English (behaver)English (-al)
Etymology tree
inherited borrowed derived
English behavior
English behavioral

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /bɪˈheɪvjəɹəl/ (UK); /bɪˈheɪvjəɹəl/, /bəˈheɪvjəɹəl/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is from English behavior + -al.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Relating to behaviour, in psychology: 1927.[2]

Semantic evolution

It is used in phrases such as behavioral disturbances and the behavioral sciences,[3] and also relates to behaviorism.[4]

Timeline

  • 1927 – behavioral (psychology).[2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Relating to behavior, especially in psychology: behavioral problems.
  2. Relating to behaviourism.

Word family

  • biobehavioral
  • interbehavioral
  • neurobehavioral
  • behavioral science

Usage notes

Behavioral is the American spelling, and British English writes behavioural.[4]

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ Gove, Philip Babcock, ed. (1961), Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam
  4. ^ a b The Chambers Dictionary (2008), 11th ed., Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap
Cite this entry

“Behavioral.” Etymologically, 17 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/behavioral. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Last edited on . ·