proper
As etiquette dictates
Proper describes something that is correct, appropriate, or fitting according to established standards or conventions.
A proper greeting follows social norms; the proper way to hold a fork is the accepted one.
In British English, proper can intensify meaning much like real or truly: a proper mess.
Placed after a noun, proper narrows focus to the thing itself, excluding related parts: the city proper means the city excluding its suburbs.
Proper can also suggest respectable behavior or excessive concern with propriety.
Proper for purpose
- aptNaturally suited or inclined
- befittingProper for the circumstances
- fittingSuitable or proper
- relevantApplying to the topic
pertinent · applicable · germane · congruent · compatible · accordant · consonant · ideal
Following long-held customs
- reservedRestrained in manner
- modestLacking in pretension
- restrainedHeld under control
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
orthodox · staid · buttoned-up · strait-laced · dignified · decorous · austere · sober
Rules of polite conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- decorumFitting social conduct
civility · respectability · refinement · comportment · graciousness · tact · discretion · genteelness
Degree of correctness
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- rightnessState of being correct
- correctnessState of being accurate
validity · legitimacy · authenticity · fidelity · soundness · conformity · suitability · adequacy
Moral appropriateness in behavior
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- uprightnessMoral correctness and honesty
- modestyAbsence of vanity
rectitude · honor · ethics · righteousness · probity · respectability · principles · conscience
suitable
Proper for purpose
relevant · pertinent · applicable · germane · congruent · compatible · accordant · consonant · ideal · right
traditional
Following long-held customs
- reservedRestrained in manner
- modestLacking in pretension
- restrainedHeld under control
conventional · orthodox · staid · buttoned-up · strait-laced · dignified · decorous · austere · sober · prim
etiquette
Rules of polite conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
decorum · civility · respectability · refinement · comportment · graciousness · tact · discretion · genteelness · sophistication
accuracy
Degree of correctness
correctness · validity · legitimacy · authenticity · fidelity · soundness · conformity · suitability · adequacy · consistency
decency
Moral appropriateness in behavior
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- uprightnessMoral correctness and honesty
modesty · rectitude · honor · ethics · righteousness · probity · respectability · principles · conscience · goodness
collect
Bring items together
introit · Gloria · Kyrie · rubric · canonical · vestment · lectionary · missal · breviary · ordinary
attire
Personal garments collectively
dress · ceremony · gala · banquet · reception · inauguration · ballroom · black-tie · white-tie · tailcoat
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
- proprietydecorum, decency, correctness, suitability, fitness
- correctnessaccuracy, precision, validity, truth, exactness
- refinedrefined, polite, gracious, elegant, cultured
- relevancerelevance, relevant, pertinence, pertinent, germane
- Rule-followingstickler, toe the line, letter of the law, code, protocol
properimproper
Lacking in propriety
inappropriate · indecent · unseemly · indecorous · unbecoming
- private propertyIndividually owned assets
- public propertyAssets owned by government
- property tax ratesLevies on owned land
- property lineLegal land boundary
- property valueMonetary worth of real estate
- property tax exemptionReduced levy on real estate
property, appropriate, properly, improper, propriety, proprietor, properties, improperly, appropriately