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Improper

8 dictionary results for: Improper

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

im·prop·er

[im-prop-er] Pronunciation Key

–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.

[Origin: 1535–45; < L improprius. See im-², proper

]

—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.

—Antonyms 1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

im·prop·er (ĭm-prŏp'ər) Pronunciation Key
adj.

Not suited to circumstances or needs; unsuitable: improper shoes for a hike; improper medical treatment.
Not in keeping with conventional mores; indecorous: improper behavior.
Not consistent with established truth, fact, or rule; incorrect.
Irregular or abnormal.

im·prop'er·ly adv., im·prop'er·ness n.

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.
Unbecoming suggests what is beneath the standard implied by one's character or position: language unbecoming to an officer.
What is unseemly or indelicate is in gross violation of good taste; indelicate especially suggests immodesty, coarseness, or tactlessness: an unseemly use of profanity; an indelicate suggestion.
Indecent refers to what is morally offensive or harmful: an earthy but not indecent story.
Indecorous implies violation of societal manners: an indecorous remark about overeating.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
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.

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

improper
adjective
1.	not suitable or right or appropriate; "slightly improper to dine alone with a married man"; "improper medication"; "improper attire for the golf course" [ant: proper]
2.	not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention; "an unconventional marriage"; "improper banking practices"
3.	not appropriate for a purpose or occasion; "said all the wrong things"

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Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: im·prop·er
Function: adjective
: not proper: as a : not in accord with correct procedure <an improper venue> b: WRONGFUL; specifically : in violation of a constitution <the denial of trial by jury was heldimproper> —im·prop·er·ly adverb

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

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.

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Improper

Im*prop"er\, v. t. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.]