appropriateness

/əˈproʊpriətnəs/

/əˈprʌʊpriətnəs/

When we determine the appropriateness of a situation, we ask, "Is it right? Is it suitable? Is it...appropriate?"

Appropriateness is often assessed according to individual taste or belief and can change with the times, or from culture to culture. Ongoing debates about appropriateness affect the dress code in public schools, the kind of language allowed on television, and the strategies politicians use to win elections.

Definitions of appropriateness

1. noun

   the quality of being specially suitable
   antonyms:

   inappropriateness

   the quality of being not particularly suitable or befitting

   types:

   felicitousness, felicity

   pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)

   appositeness, aptness

   appropriateness for the occasion

   just the ticket, ticket

   the appropriate or desirable thing

   decorum

   the fitness of a composition’s style to its subject

   type of:

   suitability, suitableness

   the quality of having the properties that are right for a specific purpose
2. noun

   appropriate conduct; doing the right thing
   synonyms: rightness

   antonyms:

   inappropriateness

   inappropriate conduct

   type of:

   correctitude, properness, propriety

   correct or appropriate behavior