Execute vs. Conduct: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Execute" means to carry out or perform a task, while "conduct" refers to the way one behaves or manages an activity.
Key Differences
The term execute primarily denotes the action of carrying out or performing a specific task, plan, or order. It often implies a sense of completion or finality. For instance, one might execute a command on a computer or execute a legal document. On the other hand, conduct is a multifaceted term, often referring to the way an individual behaves or the manner in which an activity is managed. A person's conduct can describe their overall behavior, while a conductor can conduct an orchestra.
In the realm of law, execute can imply the act of making a document legally valid, such as by signing it. For instance, to execute a will means to sign it in the presence of witnesses, ensuring its legal validity. Conduct, in a legal sense, can pertain to behavior evaluated under the law; for example, unbecoming conduct might be a reason for disciplinary action in professional settings.
Technologically speaking, to execute often means to run or initiate a command or program. In computer programming, executing a code signifies running that code to see its effect. Conversely, conduct in a technological context could describe the way an experiment or test is managed or the manner in which electricity is transmitted, as in conductors and insulators.
When considering projects or plans, to execute a plan implies ensuring its realization, from inception to completion. It focuses on the tangible actions required for achievement. Conduct, in similar scenarios, leans more towards overseeing or managing the process. For instance, while a team might execute tasks, a project manager might conduct meetings to review progress.
Artistic performances also see the use of both terms. An artist might execute a piece of art, referring to the act of creating it. In musical realms, a maestro would conduct an orchestra, guiding the musicians through the performance and ensuring harmony and synchronization
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Carry out or perform a task.
Manage an activity or behave in a certain way.
Context in Law
Make a document legally valid.
Behavior evaluated under legal standards.
Technological Usage
Run or initiate a command/program.
Oversee an experiment or transmit electricity.
In Projects
Realize a plan from start to finish.
Oversee or manage the process.
Artistic Context
Create or perform a piece of art.
Guide or lead a performance, e.g., an orchestra.
ADVERTISEMENT
Execute and Conduct Definitions
Execute
Make a document legally valid.
They went to a notary to execute the contract.
Conduct
Behave in a particular way.
His conduct during the meeting was commendable.
Execute
Run or initiate a command in technology.
The programmer will execute the code to test the software.
Conduct
Manage or organize an event or activity.
She will conduct the workshop next week.
Execute
Perform a piece of art or music.
The pianist executed the composition flawlessly.
Conduct
Lead or guide a musical performance.
The maestro will conduct the orchestra tonight.
Execute
To put into effect; carry out
A government that executes the decisions of the ruling party.
Conduct
Transmit heat, sound, or electricity.
Copper is used to conduct electricity efficiently.
Execute
To perform; do
Execute a U-turn.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control
A police officer who conducts traffic.
A scientist who conducts experiments.
Execute
To create (a work of art, for example) in accordance with a prescribed design.
Conduct
To lead or guide
Conducted the tourists through the museum.
Execute
To make valid, as by signing
Execute a deed.
Conduct
(Music) To direct the performance of (an orchestra or chorus, for example).
Execute
To perform or carry out what is required by
Execute the terms of a will.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; transmit
Some metals conduct heat.
Execute
To put to death, especially by carrying out a lawful sentence.
Conduct
To comport (oneself) in a specified way
The students conducted themselves with dignity throughout the ceremony.
Execute
(Computers) To run (a program or instruction).
Conduct
To act as a director or conductor.
Execute
(transitive) To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime. Category:en:Capital punishment
There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
According to international treaties, it is illegal to execute prisoners of war.
Conduct
To show the way; lead.
Execute
(transitive) To carry out; to put into effect.
Your orders have been executed, sir!
I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.
Conduct
The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.
Execute
(transitive) To perform.
To execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
To execute a turn in ballet
Conduct
The act of directing or controlling; management.
Execute
To carry out, to perform an act; to put into effect or cause to become legally binding or valid (as a contract) by so doing.
To execute a contract
Conduct
(Obsolete) A guide; an escort.
Execute
To start, launch or run
To execute a program
Conduct
The act or method of controlling or directing.
Execute
To run, usually successfully.
The program executed, but data problems were discovered.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management.
Execute
To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform.
Why delaysHis hand to execute what his decreeFixed on this day?
Conduct
Behaviour; the manner of behaving.
Good conduct will be rewarded and likewise poor conduct will be punished.
Execute
To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to, as by signing and perhaps sealing and delivering; as, to execute a deed, lease, mortgage, will, etc.
Conduct
(of a literary work) Plot.
Execute
To give effect to; to do what is provided or required by; to perform the requirements or stipulations of; as, to execute a decree, judgment, writ, or process.
Conduct
(obsolete) Convoy; escort; person who accompanies another.
Execute
To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence; as, to execute a traitor.
Conduct
(archaic) Something which carries or conveys anything; a channel; an instrument; a conduit.
Execute
To put to death illegally; to kill.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort.
Execute
To perform, as a piece of music or other feat of skill, whether on an instrument or with the voice, or in any other manner requiring physical activity; as, to execute a difficult part brilliantly; to execute a coup; to execute a double play.
Conduct
(transitive) To lead; to direct; to be in charge of (people or tasks)
The commander conducted thousands of troops.
To conduct the affairs of a kingdom
Execute
To do one's work; to act one's part or purpose.
Conduct
To behave.
He conducted himself well.
Execute
To perform musically.
Conduct
(transitive) To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit (heat, light, electricity, etc.)
Execute
Kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment;
In some states, criminals are executed
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Execute
Murder execution-style;
The Mafioso who collaborated with the police was executed
Conduct
(intransitive) To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Execute
Put in effect;
Carry out a task
Execute the decision of the people
He actioned the operation
Conduct
(transitive) To carry out (something organized)
Execute
Carry out the legalities of;
Execute a will or a deed
Conduct
The act or method of conducting; guidance; management.
Christianity has humanized the conduct of war.
The conduct of the state, the administration of its affairs.
Execute
Carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine;
Run the dishwasher
Run a new program on the Mac
The computer executed the instruction
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management; generalship.
Conduct of armies is a prince's art.
Attacked the Spaniards . . . with great impetuosity, but with so little conduct, that his forces were totally routed.
Execute
Carry out or perform an action;
John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters
The skater executed a triple pirouette
She did a little dance
Conduct
Convoy; escort; guard; guide.
I will be your conduct.
In my conduct shall your ladies come.
Execute
Sign in the presence of witnesses;
The President executed the treaty
Conduct
That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument.
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Execute
Carry out a specific task or order.
The team was eager to execute the project.
Conduct
The manner of guiding or carrying one's self; personal deportment; mode of action; behavior.
All these difficulties were increased by the conduct of Shrewsbury.
What in the conduct of our life appearsSo well designed, so luckily begun,But when we have our wish, we wish undone?
Execute
Implement a plan or strategy.
The company decided to execute a new marketing strategy.
Conduct
Plot; action; construction; manner of development.
The book of Job, in conduct and diction.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort; to attend.
I can conduct you, lady, to a lowBut loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
Conduct
To lead, as a commander; to direct; to manage; to carry on; as, to conduct the affairs of a kingdom.
Little skilled in the art of conducting a siege.
Conduct
To behave; - with the reflexive; as, he conducted himself well.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit, as heat, light, electricity, etc.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
To conduct one's self; to behave.
Conduct
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Conduct
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Conduct
Direct the course of; manage or control;
You cannot conduct business like this
Conduct
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Conduct
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Conduct
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Conduct
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Conduct
Lead musicians in the performance of;
Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor
She cannot conduct modern pieces
Conduct
Oversee a particular process or operation.
Scientists will conduct the experiment tomorrow.
FAQs
Can conduct refer to one's behavior?
Yes, conduct can describe an individual's overall behavior or demeanor.
Can you execute a computer program?
Yes, in technology, executing means running or initiating a program or command.
Is execution always a physical action?
Not always; it can be conceptual, like executing a strategy.
How is the term execute used in legal contexts?
In law, execute can mean making a document legally valid, typically by signing it.
What's the relationship between execute and completion?
To execute often implies ensuring a task or plan is realized from start to finish.
Is conduct always about personal behavior?
No, it can also refer to managing or overseeing an activity or event.
In computing, what does execute imply?
It implies running or initiating a command or software program.
Can a seminar be conducted?
Yes, a seminar can be conducted, meaning it is managed or overseen.
What does it mean to execute a plan?
It means to carry out or implement the plan to completion.
Who conducts an orchestra?
A maestro or conductor leads an orchestra.
How does conduct relate to discipline?
In many settings, especially professional or academic, one's conduct can be a measure for disciplinary action.
Can you execute a decision?
Yes, it means to implement or act upon that decision.
When do architects execute a design?
When they move from planning to actual construction or realization of the design.
How does one's conduct affect reputation?
Consistent positive or negative behavior can shape how one is perceived by others.
Can materials conduct energy?
Yes, certain materials, like metals, can conduct heat or electricity.
How does one execute a painting?
By creating or performing it, often from conception to final piece.
What's the role of a conductor in a train?
In trains, a conductor manages and oversees passenger-related activities, but doesn't necessarily "conduct" in the musical sense.
Can conduct refer to scientific activities?
Yes, scientists conduct experiments or studies to gather data.
What's executed in capital punishment?
The sentence or judgment is executed, meaning it is carried out.
Is conduct always active management?
Not always; it can also passively refer to how one behaves or acts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
