Words / C1

pr-uh-PREYE-uh-tee/prəˈpraɪəti/

Propriety is correct or socially acceptable behaviour: propriety in the foyer, a sense of propriety. Polite (already in the dictionary) is everyday; manners are not an ethics signature.

Meaning

Correct or socially acceptable behaviour (from polite, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Propriety in the foyer is not an ethics signature; keep the line.”
• “Polite is already in this course. Decorum is the close twin. Manners are ceremony. A signature is a file. Keep the signature; then keep the manners if the clause still sits on consent.”

Good to know

Correct, accepted behaviour. Everyday: polite (already in the dictionary). Manners ≠ an ethics signature.

Near in meaning

decorum, etiquette, correctness

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