propriety

Everyday

1. (formal) Propriety is behaving in a correct, polite and proper way, following the rules of good manners and morals. tree →
2. (formal) The proprieties are the rules of polite behaviour in society. tree →
3. Propriety can also mean how right or fitting something is in a particular situation. tree →

In the lessons

In old novels and history, propriety was very important, especially for girls and women, who were told what was "proper". In adult life, propriety means acting honestly and correctly at work and in public office, and people question "the propriety" of a decision when it may be unfair. Phrases: "a sense of propriety", "with propriety", "question the propriety of".

Examples

• In the old story, the governess was very strict about propriety. tree →
• Victorian children were taught propriety at the dinner table. tree →
• (formal) The newspaper questioned the propriety of the mayor giving the job to his son. tree →
• She behaved with complete propriety at the funeral. tree →
• (formal) The judge must act with propriety at all times. tree →
• Running around shouting in the museum was not the height of propriety! tree →
• Children appreciate the dramatic propriety of this as much as their elders. tree →

Note

Uncountable. It is a formal word; in everyday speech people say "good manners" or "doing the proper thing". Do not confuse with "property" (things you own) or "proprietor" (an owner of a shop or business). Opposite: impropriety (improper behaviour).