propriety

/p(r)əˈpraɪədi/

/prəˈpraɪɪti/

Other forms: proprieties

Propriety is following what is socially acceptable in speech and behavior. Your little brother might offend your sense of propriety by burping loudly at the dinner table.

Propriety is like the noun form of "proper" and "appropriate." It comes from the same root as the word property, in the sense of "a distinctive character or quality." The opposite of propriety is impropriety, meaning "rude or inappropriate." If you're someone who is overly concerned with propriety, your friends beg you to loosen up now and then.

Definitions of propriety

1. noun

   correct or appropriate behavior
   synonyms: correctitude, properness

   antonyms:

   impropriety

   an unsuitable or offensive demeanor

   types:

   decorousness, decorum

   propriety in manners and conduct

   appropriateness, rightness

   appropriate conduct; doing the right thing

   correctness

   the quality of conformity to social expectations

   good form

   behavior that conforms to social conventions of the time

   priggishness, primness

   exaggerated and arrogant properness

   modesty, reserve

   formality and propriety of manner

   grace, seemliness

   a sense of propriety and consideration for others

   decency

   the quality of conforming to standards of propriety and morality

   faultlessness, impeccability

   the quality of being without an error or fault

   political correctitude, political correctness

   avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against

   demureness

   the trait of behaving with reserve and decorum

   becomingness

   the quality of being becoming

   modestness, modesty

   freedom from vanity or conceit

   type of:

   behavior, behaviour, conduct, demeanor, demeanour, deportment

   (behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people