external behaviors

[ɪkˈstɜːrnəl bɪˈheɪvjərz]
nounpl: external behaviors
comportamentos externos
1. Observable actions and reactions displayed by a person or organism that are visible to others, as opposed to internal thoughts or emotions
The psychologist studied the external behaviors of the children during the experiment.
A psicóloga estudou os comportamentos externos das crianças durante o experimento.
2. Outward manifestations of conduct that can be measured and recorded in research or observation
External behaviors such as facial expressions and gestures can reveal emotional states.
Comportamentos externos como expressões faciais e gestos podem revelar estados emocionais.
3. Conduct or actions that are exhibited publicly or in social contexts
His external behaviors in the workplace differed greatly from his private demeanor.
Seus comportamentos externos no local de trabalho diferiam muito de seu comportamento privado.
In both Brazilian and American psychology and education contexts, 'external behaviors' is a technical term used to distinguish between what can be observed and measured versus internal mental processes. In Brazil, this terminology is particularly important in behavioral therapy (terapia comportamental) and educational psychology, where understanding observable actions is fundamental to assessment and intervention strategies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
observable behaviorsovert behaviorsoutward actionsmanifest behaviorsvisible conduct
Antonyms / Antônimos
internal behaviorscovert behaviorshidden thoughtsprivate emotionsmental processes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
comportamentos externos
Standard usage in psychology and behavioral sciences
Rio de Janeiro
comportamentos externos
Used in academic and professional contexts with same meaning
São Paulo
comportamentos externos
Common in business and organizational psychology discussions
Portugal
comportamentos externos
Same translation; occasionally 'condutas externas' in formal legal or technical contexts

Related Words

behavioral psychologyconductdemeanoractionsobservable

Related Idioms & Phrases

actions speak louder than words
put on a show
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
keep up appearances
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