propriety

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   Behavior that follows the accepted rules of polite, moral conduct in a society.

   Grammar: Often follows with or of: with perfect propriety.

   Patterns

   • with propriety
   • a sense of propriety
   • breach of propriety

   She handled the awkward dinner with perfect propriety.

   He had a strong sense of propriety and never interrupted others.

   The newspaper questioned the propriety of the mayor's gift.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   The quality of being suitable or right for a particular situation.

   Grammar: Often used with of: the propriety of the decision.

   Patterns

   • the propriety of something
   • question the propriety of something

   Several people questioned the propriety of holding the party so soon after the funeral.

   The committee examined the propriety of the payments.

3. 3nounusually pluralold-fashioned

   The accepted rules of polite behavior, especially when they seem strict or old-fashioned.

   Grammar: Appears as the proprieties: observe the proprieties.

   Patterns

   • observe the proprieties
   • the proprieties

   Guests were expected to observe the proprieties at the formal dinner.

   In those days, the proprieties dictated how people spoke to elders.

Word forms

Common combinations

sense of propriety

He lacked any sense of propriety at the funeral.

breach of propriety

Reading her private letters was a breach of propriety.

question the propriety of

The press questioned the propriety of the contract.

observe the proprieties

They observed the proprieties and sent a thank-you note.

financial impropriety

The director resigned over allegations of financial impropriety.

Synonyms and how they differ

decorum

Decorum focuses on dignified, polite behavior in public, while propriety also includes judging what is right.

etiquette

Etiquette means specific rules of manners, whereas propriety is the general quality of acting correctly.

decency

Decency stresses basic moral respect, and is less about social form than propriety.

correctness

Correctness is plainer and may refer to facts or grammar, not just manners.

Opposites

Word family

proper adjective

suitable or correct

properly adverb

in a correct or suitable way

impropriety noun

improper behavior

improper adjective

not suitable or not correct

Commonly confused: propriety or property? propriety or proprietary?

Practice

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