proprieties
Rules of behavior
The proprieties are the accepted rules of polite behavior in a particular social context—the customs and conventions that govern what's considered proper.
The word usually appears with the definite article: observe the proprieties, maintain the proprieties.
Someone concerned with the proprieties cares about doing things correctly according to social standards, sometimes to the point of fussiness.
Prescribed conduct rules
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
greetings · introductions · forms of address · table manners · dress code · social graces · deportment · comportment
Innate personal worth
- respectabilityMoral and social worthiness
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- decencyMoral appropriateness in behavior
- correctnessState of being accurate
seemliness · good form · good taste · refinement · elegance · restraint · composure · discretion
protocol
Prescribed conduct rules
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
politeness · greetings · introductions · forms of address · table manners · dress code · social graces · deportment · comportment · demeanor
dignity
Innate personal worth
- respectabilityMoral and social worthiness
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- decencyMoral appropriateness in behavior
correctness · seemliness · good form · good taste · refinement · elegance · restraint · composure · discretion · tastefulness
protocol
Prescribed conduct rules
- customHabitual group practice
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- normAccepted behavioral standard
standard · practice · observance · formality · ceremony · ritual · code · precedent · guideline · regulation
proprietiesimproprieties
Violations of accepted conduct
impropriety · inappropriateness · indecorum · incivilities · discourtesies
proprietiesindecencies
Morally offensive acts
indecency · improprieties · immoralities · obscenities · vulgarities
proper, property, appropriate, propriety, inappropriate, proprietor, proprietary, appropriated, appropriation