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Improper - 6 dictionary results
im⋅prop⋅er
[im-prop-er] 
ər
–adjective
| 1. | not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous: He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence. |
| 2. | not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.: improper conduct at a funeral. |
| 3. | unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance. |
| 4. | abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism. |
Related forms:
im⋅prop⋅er⋅ly, adverb
im⋅prop⋅er⋅ness, noun
Synonyms:
1–3. inapplicable, unsuited, unfit. 2. indecorous. Improper, indecent, unbecoming, unseemly are applied to that which is unfitting or not in accordance with propriety. Improper has a wide range, being applied to whatever is not suitable or fitting, and often specifically to what does not conform to the standards of conventional morality: improper diet; improper behavior in church; improper language. Indecent, a strong word, is applied to what is offensively contrary to standards of propriety and esp. of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. Unbecoming is applied to what is esp. unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. Unseemly is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.
1–3. inapplicable, unsuited, unfit. 2. indecorous. Improper, indecent, unbecoming, unseemly are applied to that which is unfitting or not in accordance with propriety. Improper has a wide range, being applied to whatever is not suitable or fitting, and often specifically to what does not conform to the standards of conventional morality: improper diet; improper behavior in church; improper language. Indecent, a strong word, is applied to what is offensively contrary to standards of propriety and esp. of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. Unbecoming is applied to what is esp. unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. Unseemly is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.
Antonyms:
1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.
1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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|
Link To Improper
| im·prop·er (ĭm-prŏp'ər) adj.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper. Improper often refers to unethical conduct, a breach of etiquette, or morally offensive behavior: improper business practices; improper behavior at the dinner table. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Improper
Im*prop"er\, a. [F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See Proper.]1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress. Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. --Shak. And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. --Pope. 2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.] Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. --J. Fletcher. 3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous. Improper diphthong. See under Diphthong. Improper feud, an original feud, not earned by military service. --Mozley & W. Improper fraction. See under Fraction.Improper
Im*prop"er\, v. t. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.] He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. --Jewel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : Improper
Spanish:
indecente, indecoroso; indebido,
German:
unpassend,
Japanese:
適当でない
improper
1531 (implied in improperly) "not true," from Fr. impropre (14c.), from L. improprius, from in "not" + proprius (see proper). Meaning "not suited, unfit" is from 1570; that of "not in accordance with good manners, modesty, decency" is from 1739.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: im·prop·er
Function: adjective
: not proper: as a : not in accord with correct procedure
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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