propriety
Propriety (noun) means Correct or socially acceptable behaviour; good manners and decorum. Example: “She always behaved with great propriety at formal events.”
How to use propriety
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving in a proper, socially correct way.
Easy to mix up with "property" — propriety is about correct behaviour, property is about ownership.
Word forms
proprieties plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She always behaved with great _____ at formal events.
Etymology
From late Middle English propretee ("ownership"), from Anglo-Norman propreté, ultimately from Latin proprietas. A doublet of "property" — the two words diverged over centuries, with "propriety" keeping the sense of correctness and "property" keeping the sense of ownership.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for propriety
See all rhymes for propriety →Frequently asked questions
What does “propriety” mean?
The word “propriety” means correct or socially acceptable behaviour; good manners and decorum. In plain terms, behaving in a proper, socially correct way.
How do you pronounce “propriety”?
“Propriety” is pronounced pruh-PREYE-uh-tee (/pɹəˈpɹaɪəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “propriety” in a sentence?
Here is “propriety” used in a sentence: “She always behaved with great propriety at formal events.”
What part of speech is “propriety”?
“Propriety” is a noun.
Where does the word “propriety” come from?
The word “propriety” comes from Latin.