propriety
UK: /prəˈpraɪ.ə.ti/ | US: /prəˈpraɪ.ə.t̬i/
n. conformity to established standards of behavior or morals
n. the quality of being appropriate or suitable
n. (archaic) ownership or property rights
propriety = propri<one's own> + ety<noun suffix>
- propri<one's own>: From Latin proprius (own, particular), related to property and appropriate.
- ety<noun suffix>: A variant of -ity, forming nouns indicating state or quality (e.g., society, purity).
Etymology Origin:
The word propriety traces back to Latin proprietas (ownership, peculiarity), derived from proprius (one's own). Over time, its meaning shifted from literal ownership (property) to abstract "ownership" of correct behavior—reflecting societal "possession" of moral norms. The suffix -ety (via Old French -eté) solidified its role as a noun denoting quality.
She acted with utmost propriety during the formal dinner.
The debate questioned the propriety of the new law.
In Victorian England, social propriety was strictly enforced.
His lack of propriety cost him the promotion.
The lawyer emphasized the legal propriety of the contract.