conduct
Definitions
The manner in which a person behaves.
行为；举止；品行
The act of leading or managing something.
指挥；管理（行为）
To organize and carry out (an activity or process).
组织进行；开展（活动）
To lead or guide someone or something.
引领；引导
To direct an orchestra or choir.
指挥（乐团、合唱团）
(Of a substance) to transmit heat, electricity, or sound.
传导（热、电、声）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + duct (led, past participle of ducere) = 'led together.' Conduct as a noun is the way one «leads oneself» — behavior. As a verb, conduct is leading something to completion (a meeting, an orchestra, an investigation). Conducting electricity is leading the current through.
Root duct still carries 15 more wordsWhy It Means This
Conduct's noun-verb stress shift is one of English's classic patterns: CON-duct (noun, behavior) vs con-DUCT (verb, to lead). The image unifies them: «leading together» — your conduct is how you lead the various parts of yourself; conducting an orchestra is leading the musicians together; conducting an investigation is leading the inquiry to its conclusion. Even conducting electricity is «leading» electrons through a material.
Usage Guide
- Behavior (noun): 'professional conduct,' 'good conduct' — pattern of action
- Direct (verb): 'conduct an investigation,' 'conduct a survey,' 'conduct a meeting' — manage
- Orchestra (verb): 'conduct the symphony' — direct musicians
- Physical (verb): 'copper conducts electricity' — transmit
- Stress: CON-duct (noun) vs con-DUCT (verb) — important distinction in spoken English
Example Sentences
- 1.
His conduct in the meeting was unprofessional.
- 2.
They conducted a thorough investigation.
- 3.
She conducts the city's symphony orchestra.
- 4.
Metals conduct electricity well.