What does behaviorally mean?
Behaviorally is an adverb meaning “in relation to behavior” or “with respect to behavior.” It is especially useful in psychology, education, biology, and other fields where an action, organism, or outcome is described according to observable patterns of conduct. A child may be described as behaviorally similar to another child, while two species may be behaviorally distinct. Outside the sciences, the word can emphasize the difference between what someone says and how they routinely act: a policy may be popular in principle but behaviorally inconsistent with an organization’s stated values. The American spelling is “behaviorally”; British English commonly uses “behaviourally.” The word is more technical and precise than broad alternatives such as “in practice,” but it is neutral rather than pejorative. It is worth knowing because it provides a compact, grammatically natural way to make a comparison specifically about conduct or conduct patterns.
adverbIn relation to behavior or patterns of conduct.
- With respect to behavior or patterns of conduct.
"The two species are behaviorally similar despite their different physical appearances."
"The students responded behaviorally in much the same way as the previous group."
"The company’s stated principles are behaviorally inconsistent with the way it treats its employees."
Behaviorally asks a deceptively practical question: not what someone claims, but how they consistently act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does behaviorally come from?
Behaviorally was formed in English from behavioral by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Behavioral is based on behavior, which came through Old French comportement and ultimately Latin comportare, meaning “to bring together” and by extension “to conduct oneself.” The spelling with -or- is characteristic of American English, whereas British English generally uses behavioural and behaviourally.
How behaviorally is actually used
Most common in academic, scientific, and professional writing, though it can be used in general prose. It is neutral and descriptive rather than evaluative.
Easily confused with behaviorally
“Behaviourally” is the usual British English spelling, while “behaviorally” is the standard American spelling.