high propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high propriety" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used in contexts discussing standards of behavior, decorum, or moral correctness, particularly in formal or academic writing. Example: "The committee emphasized the importance of high propriety in all interactions to maintain the organization's reputation."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

HE was a modern-minded, emotionally needy prince trapped in a stultifying world of tradition, ceremony and high propriety.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not necessarily rare for actors — male actors, that is — to take on the role of Wilde's arch parody of a paragon of high Victorian propriety.

The New York Times

She responded with actorly reflexes, offering an upturned chin, but making sure all the while to place her program discreetly over the seam of her pencil skirt, which was slit, in her view, a little too high for propriety.

The New York Times

In a letter to a reporter in 1983, Bronson Chanler, Mrs. Cutting's great-nephew, recalled visiting the house between 1936 and 1941, when it was still a bastion of high Victorian propriety.

The New York Times

With her high regard for propriety and her tendency to speak in aphorisms, Mrs. Culver is a distant relation of the imperious Lady Bracknell, from Wilde's "Importance of Being Earnest".

The New York Times

When James calls Osmond "a student of the exquisite," whose "ideal was a conception of high prosperity and propriety," was he glancing in the mirror at his own ambitions, fearful of what harm they might, if brandished too freely, inflict on other selves?

The New Yorker

It added that more mainstream parties on both sides of the political spectrum need to change as well by ensuring high standards of propriety and ethics and by articulating what it termed "positive and optimistic economic and political solutions" rather than what it said was populist rhetoric.

Wikipedia

" In his preamble to the new ministerial code, David Cameron says: "People want their politicians to uphold the highest standards of propriety.

The Guardian

And he concludes, "I may do what I please in private," adding, "but I must ring myself with a wall of propriety so high no one can see in".

The New York Times - Books

Her books, such as "The Railway Children," on the surface all British propriety and high tea, are in fact quite loyal to the honesty and directness of children, to their truest needs and modes of thinking.

The New Yorker

It doesn't take much to see the logic behind that campaign – fundamentalist religion places high value on sexual propriety so it is an easy score to portray or smear one's enemies as hypocrites or perverts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "high propriety", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a strong adherence to ethical or social norms. Consider whether a more common phrase like "strict decorum" might be better understood.

Common error

Avoid using "high propriety" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or overly formal in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high propriety" functions as a noun phrase where "high" modifies "propriety", indicating a strong degree or level of adherence to accepted standards of behavior. Ludwig AI notes its usage may sound awkward, suggesting alternatives might be preferred.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high propriety" is grammatically acceptable but not commonly used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI indicates it can come across as formal or even awkward, suggesting alternative phrasings might be preferable depending on the specific context. While it functions to denote a strong adherence to ethical and social norms, its limited frequency suggests caution in its usage, particularly in informal settings. When aiming for clarity and impact, considering alternatives like "strict decorum" or "elevated standards of conduct" is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict decorum

Replaces 'propriety' with 'decorum' and 'high' with 'strict', emphasizing formal behavior.

elevated standards of conduct

Focuses on conduct, using a more descriptive and formal tone.

stringent moral code

Shifts the emphasis to morality, highlighting the strictness of the code.

exacting ethical principles

Emphasizes the rigorous nature of the ethical standards.

unimpeachable integrity

Highlights the blameless and honest nature of the behavior.

rigid adherence to convention

Focuses on conforming to traditional social norms.

utmost sense of decency

Highlights respectability and moral correctness.

meticulous observance of etiquette

Focuses on precise adherence to social protocols.

scrupulous adherence to norms

Emphasizes careful and strict conformity to established norms.

exemplary moral rectitude

Stresses moral uprightness and correctness.

FAQs

What does "high propriety" mean?

"High propriety" refers to a strong adherence to accepted standards of behavior, ethics, and social norms. It suggests a commitment to acting in a way that is considered morally and socially correct.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "high propriety"?

The phrase "high propriety" is best used in formal or academic writing where you want to emphasize a strict adherence to ethical or social standards. In more casual settings, alternative phrases like "strict decorum" or "elevated standards of conduct" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "high propriety"?

Alternatives include "strict decorum", "elevated standards of conduct", "stringent moral code", and "unimpeachable integrity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "high propriety" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "high propriety" is not a frequently used phrase. Ludwig AI suggests that it may sound awkward to some readers, and it's important to consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use it.