feeling of propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of propriety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of appropriateness or correctness in behavior or actions in a given context. Example: "She acted with a feeling of propriety during the formal event, ensuring her behavior was suitable for the occasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

All interesting questions to ask in the context of social photo-sharing, which arguably limits what can be photographed — whether it's for vanity/self-consciousness, broader feelings of propriety, or general pressure to conform or gain tacit approval from a peer group.

TechCrunch

The feeling of respect is propriety.

SEP

"It is terrible to desire and not possess, and terrible to possess and not desire," says Yeats; and Queen Victoria rants against the Women's Rights "on which her poor feeble sex is bent, forgetting every sense of womanly feeling and propriety".

The Guardian - Books

I got the feeling that anything could happen, you know?" He claims to have been a model of propriety as a director.

The Guardian - Film

When achieving a morally right feeling is difficult, we call that achievement "virtuous"; otherwise, we describe people as acting or failing to act within the bounds of "propriety" (25).

SEP

It offends his sense of propriety.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not potential harm to my feelings, not social harm to my idea of right, not damage to the great precepts of religion or to my stuffy uncle's sense of propriety.

The New Yorker

At this, Coleridge suffered a rare fit of propriety.

Independent

Does that kind of communal voice of propriety still exist?

The New Yorker

There was a disregard of the facts and of propriety.

Independent

I've never given much thought to the difference between English notions of propriety and Dutch notions of propriety.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of propriety" to describe someone's internal sense of what is socially acceptable or morally correct in a given situation. It often implies a nuanced understanding that goes beyond simply following rules.

Common error

Avoid confusing "propriety", which means correctness or appropriateness, with "property", which refers to ownership. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect sentence structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of propriety" functions as a noun phrase, describing a subjective perception or awareness of what is considered appropriate or correct behavior in a social or moral context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of propriety" describes an internal sense of what is considered appropriate or correct behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it leans toward formal usage, it effectively conveys a nuanced understanding of social and ethical norms. Related phrases like "sense of decorum" and "sense of appropriateness" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Understanding the difference between "propriety" and "property" is crucial to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of decorum

Replaces "feeling" with "sense" and uses "decorum" instead of "propriety" for a more formal tone.

sense of appropriateness

Substitutes "propriety" with "appropriateness", focusing on the suitability of behavior.

sense of respectability

Emphasizes the aspect of being seen as respectable or proper.

sense of what is fitting

Focuses on an intuitive understanding of what is suitable or appropriate in a situation.

adherence to standards of conduct

Highlights following accepted rules and norms of behavior.

mindful of accepted behavior

Emphasizes the act of paying attention to how one should behave.

awareness of social norms

Focuses on the understanding and consideration of accepted social behaviors.

consciousness of etiquette

Specifically refers to being mindful of proper etiquette and manners.

regard for convention

Highlights respecting established customs and traditions.

an inclination towards decorous behavior

Describes a natural tendency to act in a decorous or proper manner.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of propriety" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of propriety" to describe someone's internal sense of what is socially acceptable or morally correct. For example: "She acted with a feeling of propriety, ensuring her behavior was suitable for the occasion."

What's the difference between "feeling of propriety" and "sense of decorum"?

"Feeling of propriety" emphasizes an internal sense, while "sense of decorum" focuses more on outward behavior aligned with social expectations. The former is more about personal ethics; the latter, about social grace.

What can I say instead of "feeling of propriety"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of appropriateness", "sense of decorum", or "sense of respectability" depending on the specific context.

Is "feeling of propriety" formal or informal?

"Feeling of propriety" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side due to the word "propriety". Alternatives like "sense of what is fitting" can be more appropriate for informal settings.