propriety

What does “propriety” mean?

noun.the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

SAT Usage

propriety often appears in passages discussing social norms, etiquette, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes adherence to accepted standards, suggesting a tension between individual behavior and societal expectations, and differs from similar terms like "decorum," which focuses more on behavior in specific contexts rather than the broader concept of moral correctness.

Common Confusions

Propriety implies adherence to accepted moral standards in social behavior, while decorum usually suggests appropriate conduct in specific situations or settings.

Example Sentences

• She behaved with impeccable propriety at every formal occasion.

• Her success was largely due to her propriety and determination.

Word Parts: How to Remember “propriety”

Break “propriety” into its parts: pro- (forward, in favor of). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: pro- forward, in favor of (Latin)