noun
propriety
pruh-PRY-uh-tee/prəˈpraɪəti/
The quality of being appropriate and consistent with accepted standards.
The boy's polite offer of his seat shows concern for propriety.
Etymology
The idea of something's own or special character underlies its proper character or fitness. Propriety applies that fitness to accepted standards, especially good manners and moral conduct.
In context
it's speaking of behavior rather than clothing and it's referring to orderly Behavior Decent Behavior that does not go beyond the bounds of propriety
More examples
- The host observes the usual proprieties during the formal dinner.
- His conduct raises doubts about professional propriety.
- They consider both the legality and the propriety of the decision.
Forms
propriety · proprieties
Similar words
- appropriateness
- The ordinary term for fitting the circumstances or accepted standards.
- decorum
- Decorum is proper outward behavior; propriety includes whether actions or arrangements are appropriate.