This is the 807th most frequent German word.
verhalten
"Verhalten" (noun): behavior, conduct. "Verhalten" (verb): to behave, act, or react.
In this sentence, 'Verhalten' is a noun and means 'behavior' in the context of someone's actions.
Sein Verhalten war vorbildlich.
His behavior was exemplary.
Here, 'verhält' is a reflexive verb and describes 'how someone acts' in a specific manner.
Er verhält sich immer respektvoll gegenüber anderen.
He always behaves respectfully towards others.
In this context, 'verhält' is used mathematically to describe the proportional relationship between two measures.